Western Kenya leaders hunt for votes at bullfight venues
A bull fight in Kakamega. Western Kenya leaders are increasingly visiting bullfighting venues to woo voters. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is the patron of the bullfighters association.
An aide of the senator, Mr Polycarp Muchome, said bullfighting was a revered tradition in the region and had a huge potential as a tourist attraction.
Dr Khalwale spearheaded the construction of a bullfighting arena at Malinya market in Ikolomani constituency in 2010.
Western Kenya politicians are turning to bullfighting to boost their visibility ahead of campaigns for next year’s general election.
The popular sport enjoys a near fanatical following among the Idakho and Isukha communities in region and politicians are frequenting venues in droves to woo voters.
Aspirants for county assembly, parliamentary, senate and governor seats have become regular spectators at bullfighting arenas, turning the events into boisterous campaign platforms.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is the patron of the bullfighters association.
An aide of the senator, Mr Polycarp Muchome, said bullfighting was a revered tradition in the region and had a huge potential as a tourist attraction.
“Dr Khalwale does not want to comment on the matter at this stage because some politicians are trying to take advantage of the bullfighting competitions for political mileage,” he said.
BULLFIGHTING ARENA
Dr Khalwale spearheaded the construction of a bullfighting arena at Malinya market in Ikolomani constituency in 2010.
About Sh5 million was spent on the land while construction is still in progress.
When there is a contest in the county, the young and elderly troop to the venue as early 5am, to secure vantage positions from where to cheer their favoured bulls.
A recent contest organised by the county government epitomised the unfolding political machinations surrounding the competitions.
The competition preceded last Friday’s visit to Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s Butere rural home by a group of bull owners from Shinyalu and Ikolomani.
Kenya National Union of Teachers county chairman Patrick Chungani, who has declared interest in the Kakamega Senate seat, and Isukha Central MCA Richard Muchesia, who has set his sights on the Shinyalu parliamentary seat, accompanied the bull owners.
However, some supporters of the sport are asking politicians to stop using the bullfights as a launch pad for their political campaigns.
Shinyalu resident Michael Amukanga said some leaders were in it for political gain, not for love of the sport.
“Politicians should know voters will not be fooled by the gimmick,” said Mr Amukanga.
