TIMOTHY BOSIRE: As the Jews, are the Gusii people to the World, we must reconnect and reset

BY ERIC ABUGA

The death of veteran politician Simeon Nyachae in February 2021 left the Abagusii community at a political crossroads and without a clear leader. 

Nearly five years later, his passing remains a significant blow to the Gusii community, which is struggling to find a unified political direction. 

The former Cabinet minister's political influence dominated the Gusii region for years. Despite losing in the 2007 elections for the Nyaribari Chache constituency, Nyachae never publicly announced his retirement from politics.

His absence has created a political vacuum, with very few current leaders emerging from Nyachae’s mentorship. Close to 18 years have passed, and no leader has risen to succeed him through notable actions, fearless leadership, and integrity.

Amidst the ongoing political changes in the region, seasoned Nyamira politician and long-serving ODM National Treasurer Timothy Bosire is boldly attempting to unite the Gusii Nation—one of the most significant political constituencies in Kenya. 

For the past few months, Bosire has held consultative meetings with various organized groups from both Kisii and Nyamira. These groups included teachers, clergy, and directors from the KTDA, the Council of Elders, and both current and former elected leaders. 

A significant meeting was later convened in Kericho, attended by over 700 leaders, who outlined ten key points for consideration and established a Community Consultative Council to develop these ideas further.

In the preamble of this working group, the Gusii community expressed recognition of the national political trajectory and emphasized the need for the Omogusii community to speak with one voice, build alliances from a position of strength, provide leadership, and secure their rightful place in governance and national resource allocation. 

Delegates at the Gusii stakeholders meeting held at a Kericho Hotel (Photo Eric Abuga)

Political analysts argue that the community has yet to leverage its numerical strength deliberately and responsibly to ensure that its unity at the ballot translates into bargaining power at the national level.

Bosire stated, "There is a strong desire among the Gusii people to move forward as a more united community. For the first time, our people have spoken, and there is interest in building a common platform. I am here to serve because our people have made this decision."

He believes, "We can agree to disagree civilly. If the community decides on a direction to take, then everything else will follow. I am not being sponsored by anyone to bring this common agenda for Omogusii to fruition."

Bosire expressed concern that the Gusii people have historically been too individualistic, stating, "Those aspiring for top leadership positions need a strong foundation to emerge." 
He asserted, "We must come together, leveraging our diverse talents as the Jews have done. This is not a small task, as some may think. Everyone with a unique skill is welcome to join hands in this movement."

"This will be a significant initiative. Nyachae once rose to prominence, embraced by the community, but his departure left us without established structures." 

He acknowledged the emergence of influential figures like Justice David Maraga, Dr. Fred Matiangi, and Morora Kebaso, while lamenting that the community still struggles to find its footing. "If we had a proper leadership structure, we could guide these individuals according to our traditions."

Leadership of the Gusii Unity Forum (Photo Eric Abuga)

Currently, he emphasized, "We lack a system to manage such matters. We are unstructured, unprepared, and disorganized, which hinders our ability to seek support from other communities. Other groups have established structures. They convene and agree on a way forward."

Bosire added, "I have seized the moment; this idea has been in my mind for a long time, but I was uncertain about how to initiate the process. I have involved all stakeholders in this discussion to help the community rethink its path, reset its foundation, and manage the future more productively and meaningfully to position ourselves favorably."

"We will contend at the national level. The community must assert its position as a matter of right and in an organized manner."