UDA 'Helicopter Campaigns' Rattles Matiang'i

By Eric Abuga

Jubilee presidential flagbearer Dr. Fred Okeng'o Matiang'i has been unsettled by the extensive government machinery in his region ahead of the three by-elections in Nyamira; Ekerenyo, Nyamaiya, and Nyansiongo Wards.

On Friday, Dr. Matiang'i publicly endorsed Jackson Mogusu of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the Nyansiongo Ward seat, Chris Osiemo of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) for Nyamaiya, and Jeremiah Ongaro of UPA for Ekerenyo. 

He made this announcement at Gesiaga Primary School in West Mugirango, Nyamira County, during the burial of Abuga Mogeni, an uncle of Senator Omogeni.

Dr. Matiang'i stated that his Jubilee party had formed a pre-election alliance with seven political parties, including the PDP led by Omingo Magara, the KSC of Kengere Atati, PNU of Peter Munya, and UPA chaired by Emmanuel Nyambega Gisesa. 

He emphasized that the three candidates were selected through a competitive consultative process and urged the electorate to vote for them on November 27, expressing that this support would strengthen his bid to succeed President Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.

"We sat as leaders under my guidance and agreed on the candidates to support for the three by-elections. I respect the elected leaders from Gusii, but we must unite as a community," he said. 

Dr. Matiang'i expressed concern that those opposing his candidacy needed prayers, stating, "This is not just about politics; it is an attempt to undermine my influence in Gusii. It is unusual to see helicopters being used in by-elections. The money spent is taxpayer resources, money misappropriated from the public."

Conversely, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko, who also attended the funeral, criticized Gusii leaders for what he called pretense. 

"I have been part of the Matiang'i caucus planning for his campaigns, yet I know I am a UDA elected leader. We are relying on Matiang'i's influence to make noise. We need to stop politicking at funerals under the guise of supporting him," he said.

Nyamoko affirmed his commitment to the UDA, saying, "I will support the Government until the end. While I believe we should support the Gusii community, we must be cautious about our public statements." 

He declared, "I will vote for the UDA candidate in Ekerenyo because that is where I belong. I have supported other candidates as well because they are my brothers, but I want to remind everyone that I am a strong leader, and those in power here must be proactive."

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka urged the Nyamira electorate to back the candidates aligned with Matiang'i in the upcoming mini-polls. 

Former Kisii Senator Prof. Sam Ongeri encouraged the Abagusii community to make wise choices, saying, "As a seasoned politician, I urge our people to decide correctly. We have served in the Cabinet and understand the issues at hand; this nation is heading in the wrong direction."

Prof. Ongeri added, "Let those who can hear listen to our message; the Gusii people will vote as a bloc. These three by-elections are ours to win." 

PDP leader Omingo Magara expressed their determination to secure victory in Nyansiongo to challenge Matiang'i's influence. "We aim to win all three seats, as we have suffered from the country's poor leadership," he noted.

Former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi advised Matiang'i to refrain from endorsing leaders in the Gusii region. "We will support Matiang'i, but we should not rely solely on him," he stated. "Endorsements could jeopardize our victory."

UDA leaders, including National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, Party National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, Nyamoko, Nyamira Woman Rep Jerush Momanyi, and several others, have been actively campaigning in the three by-elections, pledging to ensure UDA candidates secure the seats.

The leaders have been carrying a well calculated campaign in the region that has caught some of their opponents offguard.

The issue of fielding several opposition leaders has also caused anxiety among those supporting Matiangi. 

The Polls' outcome in Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo and in Nyansiongo will likley paint a picture of how Matiangi has consolidated his abse.