Governor Ranguma appeals to rival for support in August polls

Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has extended an olive branch to his rival Hezron McObewa appealing to him to drop his bid and support his re-election bid.

The governor is facing a fierce contest from both Dr McObewa, a former friend who later became his political foe, and Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o.

Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, Gordon Wayumba, Chrispine Ondiek and Asaka Nyangara are also seeking to unseat Mr Ranguma.

Dr McObewa, a member of the expansive Kano community where Mr Ranguma comes from is seen as a big threat to the governor’s re-election “as he is likely to divide the clan’s votes.”

During a ceremony held at the Ahero Multi-Purpose Hall by Kano elders who endorsed the governor for a second term, Mr Ranguma, who appeared concerned about Dr McObewa’s candidature said, “I am ready to receive him back as he prepares to make a stub at the seat in 2022.”

“We want a person who will protect the interests of the Kano community and we cannot afford to gamble with this position,” said the governor.

DISMISSED RANGUMA

But in a rejoinder, Dr McObewa dismissed Mr Ranguma and vowed to beat him at the ballot.

“He (Ranguma) has sensed defeat. He has served for five years as a governor with zero development record and we cannot sit back and watch him plunder the county’s resources at the expense of the people,” Dr McObewa said.

He went on, “Furthermore the governor’s seat is not the property of any community or clan. It belongs to all members of the county who will take part in the elections and to rally a few elders behind you cannot give you victory. Victory is withy the over 500,000 voters across the county.”

During the event in Ahero, Mr Ranguma however, emphasised the need for unity among the community members so as to retain the position.

“We need a strong army for Kano to win this election and retain this position.

“This community has had a few flags (symbol of power) and we must retain this one for governor which is slightly bigger than a ministerial flag,” the governor said.

He went on, “Today, I am here as your son and not as governor and I am pleading with you to give me a second term so that I can complete my development projects.”

DIVIDE VOTES

County Executive for Water Barrack Abonyo had kicked off the debate when he accused Dr McObewa of working for Mr Ranguma’s opponent, Prof Nyong’o.

“We all know McObewa is not interested in the governor’s seat but working round the clock to divide Kano votes so that Prof Nyong’o can win this election,” said Mr Abonyo.

He said Prof Nyong’o who has teamed up with Nyando MP Fred Outa, also a native of Kano running for the senate seat, is working in cahoots with Dr McObewa to deny Mr Ranguma votes.

“In our community, it is said that even if you differ with your brother, you do not side with an outsider to attack them. You must be your brother’s keeper,” Mr Abonyo said.

DISMISSED CLAIMS

But Dr McObewa dismissed the assertions saying Mr Abonyo has “little knowledge to analyse the Kisumu County politics.”

An elder, Nyangaga Awuondo, declared that the Kano community had resolved to support Mr Ranguma’s re-election.

“From today henceforth, anybody from this community who will oppose you should not blame us for any predicament that may befall them,” Mr Awuondo said.

Mzee Odunga Kute told Dr McObewa to hold his horses until 2022 “as he is still a young man.”

Mr Ranguma challenged ODM to ensure that during party nominations, votes are cast and counted at the respective polling stations to ensure transparency.

He castigated those he claimed are bragging of having party certificates in their pockets to brace for a fierce contest.

“Our party leader Raila Odinga has assured us of free and fair primaries and nobody should brag of having a certificate. If they have then why are they campaigning?” he posed.