Former MPs scramble for Nyamira governor's job

The battle lines are drawn in the contest for the Nyamira governor’s seat as a current MP and three former MPs emerge as favourites.

On Monday, the succession race dominated the burial of Jane Munda, the wife of ODM treasurer Timothy Bosire. Leading candidates used the event to woo voters.

Bosire, a former Kitutu Masaba MP, has also declared his interest in the race to replace Amos Nyaribo. Bosire, credited for prudent management of CDF funds during his tenure as MP, is among the leading aspirants.

Others are Nyaribo, Borabu MP Ben Momanyi, former Kitutu Masaba MPs Walter Nyambati and Mwancha Okioma.

Okioma, the chairman of the Commodities Fund, did not, however, attend the burial. About 20 aspirants have expressed interest in the race.

Nyaribo warned he will not be a pushover in 2022 and warned his opponents to brace themselves for a tough fight.

“I have heard some people here salivating for my seat. It will not be as easy as they think. I’m keen to start a fresh five-year term in 2022,” the soft-spoken Nyaribo said.

“I have less than one year in office but I want to ensure the people of Nyamira get the necessary services and development projects so that my opponents don’t have anything to talk about during campaigns,” he added.

Nyambati, who is allied to Deputy President William Ruto, said his victory was stolen in 2007 when Governor John Nyagarama (deceased) retained the seat.

“Last time, they stole my victory. I have heard my friend Bosire is also in the race but I’m confident I will clinch the seat,” Nyambati said.

North Mogirango MP Joash Nyamoko said despite being friends with Bosire, Momanyi and Nyambati, he will back Nyaribo who is his constituent.

“I want to make it very clear here today, Governor Nyaribo, I will support you and ensure you win the seat in 2022,” the MP said.

Nyamoko had earlier shown interest in the race but appears to have backed out.

In his speech, Bosire, a key ally of ODM leader Raila Odinga, did not dwell on local politics. He thanked the people for supporting him adding that he is ready again to serve them at the county and national levels.

“In politics, there is no permanent hatred. It’s a competition for interests to develop society,” he added.

Bosire recently used Nyaribo’s home turf of North Mugirango to declare his interest in the governor's seat.

However, political observers said if the three former Kitutu Masaba MPs—Okioma, Bosire and Nyambati—go ahead to contest the seat, it might complicate the matrix for them.

Nyaribo is the main contender from North Mugirango, while Momanyi hails from Borabu constituency.

Nyaribo is keen to consolidate the Bogirango clan vote by having former West Mugirango MP James Gesami as his deputy. He was rejected twice by the county assembly of Nyamira but Nyaribo outmanoeuvred them by appointing Gesami as a special programmes adviser.

Gesami, however, has a chance to serve as the second in command in the county after a court vacated orders stopping his vetting. He will appear before the committee on appointments on Thursday.

(Edited by V. Graham)