Mixed fortunes as counties hold Mashujaa Day celebrations

Wamagacha Choir performs during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County on October 20, 2017. In Kericho, none of the seven MPs and the 47 MCAs attended the celebrations held at Kericho Green Stadium. PHOTO | AYUB MUIYURO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • In Migori, organisers at Moi Stadium were forced to halt the event after few people turned up.
  • In Kisii, officials used the occasion to call for dialogue between Nasa leader Raila Odinga and President Kenyatta.

Mashujaa Day celebrations in Nyanza and parts of western were not marked, while in the South Rift they went on smoothly, highlighting the huge political rift ahead of scheduled election next week.

In Kericho, none of the seven MPs and the 47 MCAs attended the annual Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Kericho Green Stadium on Friday.

Governor Paul Chepkwony and County Commissioner Mukhtar Abdi presided over the event where they praised local heroes.

BOYCOTT

Kericho Youth President Matthew Korir said it was “unfortunate” that the elected leaders had started alienating themselves from the public soon after elections.

Celebrations did not take place at all in Kisumu and Siaya.

In some places, people did not turn up, and where they did, they defined the differences between Jubilee and Nasa.

Nyanza Regional Coordinator Wilson Njega could not immediately provide comment on the turn of events, promising to revert.

DISAPPOINTED

In Homa Bay, a low-key event was held at Oriang’ Manywanda Primary School in Rachuonyo North and was addressed by Deputy County Commissioner Pius Ondachi who called for a peaceful election.

But Governor Cyprian Awiti was absent, attending instead a rally in Kisumu.

In Migori, organisers at Moi Stadium were forced to halt the event after few people turned up.

Chiefs, their assistants and a handful of residents who turned up at the stadium left the venue after it became apparent that the function would not take place.

PROTESTERS

In Kuria, where Jubilee has substantive support, local leaders showed up to celebrate newly created Mabera and Ntimaru sub counties.

Kuria East MP Marwa Maisori Kitayama used the occasion marked at Ntimaru Township to lead other politicians to welcome Mr Anthony Momanyi, the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC).

Kuria West MP Mathias Nyababe Robi did the same at Mabera market grounds.

In Vihiga, residents largely stayed away from celebrations at Municipal Grounds in Mbale.

Governor Wilbur Otichilo differed with County Commissioner Alex ole Nkoyo on how to deal with demonstrators.

DIALOGUE
Dr Ottichilo, his deputy Dr Patrick Saisi, Deputy Speaker Nixon Butiya and Majority Leader Wycliffe Masini defended the right to protest.

“You have seen police officers here carrying guns. We have asked them to wear a stone-face ready to work,” Mr Nkoyo said.

In Kisii, officials used the occasion to call for dialogue between Nasa leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

In Busia, county commissioner Michael Tialal warned those planning to disrupt the exercise will be dealt with accordingly.

REFORMS

In Mombasa, county commissioner Evans Achoki assured residents of security ahead of the repeat presidential election.

In Tana River, Governor Dhadho Godhana said he does not see any election carried out on October 26 since reforms have not been done.

Victor Otieno, Barack Oduor, Elisha Otieno, Vivere Nandiemo, Magati Obebo, Anita Chepkoech, Geoffrey Rono, Derick Luvega, Nelcon Odhiambo and Gaitano Pesa, Stephen Oduor, Brian Ocharoa and Raymond Zaka.