Gesami's entry into Nyamira gubernatorial race could tilt scales against Nyagarama

What you need to know:

  • West Mugirango MP James Gesami has the support of Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire, North Mugirango MP Charles Geni and Woman Representative Alice Chae.
  • These MPs have been fierce critics of Mr Nyagarama’s style of governance despite being in the same party and accuse him of running a one-man show and ignoring the advice of aides.

The entry of West Mugirango MP James Gesami in the Nyamira gubernatorial race is expected to complicate matters for incumbent John Nyagarama in a battle that will be determined by clan and party politics.

Both Mr Gesami and Mr Nyagarama are in ODM, the dominant party in the county.

Nyamira has one of the highest numbers of aspirants for the governor’s job. Some worked closely with Mr Nyagarama before falling out with him.

Dr Gesami has the support of MPs Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba), Charles Geni (North Mugirango) and Woman Rep Alice Chae. These MPs have been fierce critics of Mr Nyagarama’s style of governance despite being in the same party and accuse him of running a one-man show and ignoring the advice of aides.

Prof Thomas Getabu, who at one time was Mr Nyagarama’s chief of staff but who now is out to oust him, says the governor employs divide-and-rule tactics and encourages clashes among his advisors.

Prof Getabu claims Mr Nyagarama assigned his duties to his (governor’s) personal assistant when he complained about his advice being ignored.

The governor’s relations with MPs in the county are also strained, with the sharp differences being recently played out when Cord leader Raila Odinga toured the region.

Mr Nyagarama and Dr Gesami openly disagreed on the venue of the party leader’s rally. Dr Gesami wanted the rally to be held at the county assembly grounds while Mr Nyagarama proposed Nyamaiya Sports Ground. To save the situation, Mr Odinga decided to hold rallies at both venues.

Nyamira is predominantly a Cord zone but the political dynamics may change should the strenuous efforts being made by Jubilee to make inroads in the region bear fruit.

In May this year, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto toured the region and dished out goodies worth Sh4.2 billion. There were also promises to build new roads, most of which are yet to be fulfilled.

Even though a number of candidates have expressed interest in the seat, it remains to be seen which political vehicle they will vie under.

A number of Mr Nyagarama’s close confidants, including Deputy Governor Amos Nyaribo and Prof Getabu, have already thrown their hats into the ring.

Both aspirants are said to be conversant with the governor’s leadership style and probably, election winning strategies having once been in his inner circle.

Prof Getabu, who lectures at Mount Kenya University, quit as chief of staff after only three months following a disagreement with the governor over his style of governance.

Also in the crowded race are retired Judge David Onyancha, Dr Erneo Nyakiba (Kanu), Mr Charles Mochama (Jubilee), Mr Evans Misati, Prof Vincent Nyatigo Ongaga, Senator Kennedy Mong’are Okong’o (Ford Kenya), former Kitutu Masaba MPs Mwancha Okioma (Ford People) as well as Walter Nyambati (Jubilee).

MAJOR ROLE

A number of factors will play a major role in deciding who will be the next chief executive officer of the county. These include Mr Nyagarama’s development record, clannism and large number of aspirants.

For example, Dr Nyakiba feels betrayed by Dr Gesami’s entry into the race since the two, who come from the populous Bogichora clan, will split the West Mugirango votes to the advantage of Mr Nyagarama, who hails from Bonyamatuta.

Also not to be underestimated are members of the populous Abagetutu and Abagirango clans.

In a recent interview with the Saturday Nation, Dr Gesami said: “I thank West Mugirango constituents for giving me an opportunity to serve them for two terms as MP”.

He said: “But for the past five years, we have not seen any meaningful development in this county and that is why I now want to vie for the gubernatorial seat to rescue our people”.

He questioned why funds set aside for bursaries had not been disbursed to needy students.

“I pray to God to give me strength and the opportunity to serve Nyamira people since the current leadership is wanting,” Dr Gesami said.

The MP said he has support from all Nyamira MPs “since they are equally not happy with Mr Nyagarama’s style of leadership.”

Prof Getabu shares the same sentiments. “I quit soon after my appointment as chief of staff because I disagreed with Mr Nyagarama over the way he wanted to run this county from day one,” he said.

Dr Nyakiba on his part said: “I am ready and willing to serve Nyamira people since Governor Nyagarama’s development track record is wanting”.

Mr Nyagarama vigorously defends his development record.

“I have revamped the county referral hospital and put in modern equipment like the CT scan and dialysis machines. We have saved patients from travelling outside to seek such services. Construction of modern theatres and a doctors’ plaza equivalent to that at Kenyatta National hospital is ongoing so that we can retain medical specialists,” he said.

The governor said he has also invested a lot of resources on health, agriculture and roads.

According to political analyst Stephen Mogaka, Jubilee will have a herculean task convincing Nyamira residents to vote for it owing to the fact that the region is predominantly an ODM zone.

And despite the fact that a section of its ward reps visited State House last week to “discuss development matters”, Mr Mogaka is of the opinion that this will have little effect on voting patterns.

This, he says, is because the Jubilee government is yet to fulfil many of the promises it made to the region. “Many of the promises the Jubilee leadership has made have remained unfulfilled … this has been their main undoing,” says Mr Mogaka.

He also believes that the newly found Omogusii unity may not bring about much development to the region as anticipated. “In Kisii County for example, there are five Jubilee MPs yet their regions have not benefited much,” he says.