• Kano clan is a critical segment in the gubernatorial race, and whoever bags it has a head start.
• Coming at a time when the focus has been on whom the clan will back in the next polls, the weekend meeting cannot be ignored by the governor’s opponents.
Image: DICKENS WASONGA
Elders from Muhoroni have endorsed Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o for reelection in the 2022 General Election.
The move is a huge boost for the governor who is facing stiff competition from members of the Kano clan who want to unseat him.
The elders who spoke in Muhoroni said they represented all the Kano subclans who live within the subcounty.
Just last week, four Kisumu governor aspirants announced they were negotiating to front one candidate to face Nyong’o in next year’s polls.
The four were EAC Chief Administrative Secretary Ken Obura, Senator Fred Outa, former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma and former county assembly speaker Onyango Oloo.
Ranguma, Outa and Obura are all from Nyando subcounty.
The Kano clan is the biggest single vote-bloc in Kisumu county, making it key for aspirants.
The Muhoroni elders on Saturday threw their weight behind Nyong'o, saying the governor has done a good job and deserves a second term.
Nyong'o comes from Seme.
The declaration to support Nyong'o was made at the home of Mzee Miruka Masero in Masogo/Nyang’oma ward. The elders had gathered to bless Nyong’o and give political direction to the people of Kano within Muhoroni subcounty.
Coming at a time when the focus has been on whom the clan will back in the next polls, the weekend meeting cannot be ignored by the governor’s opponents.
The meeting was also attended by seven MCAs from Nyando, Muhoroni and Kisumu West subcounties. The ward reps declared their support for Nyong'o.
They included Vitalis Otura (Masogo/Nyang’oma), Ken Ooko (Ahero), Maurice Ngeta (Awasi /Onjiko), Atieno Atieno (Kobura), Mourine Attyang’ (Chemelil/Koru), Vincent Jagongo (North West Kisumu) and majority leader Kenneth Onyango (Miwani).
The MCAs said their support for Nyong’o was based on the commendable job he has done in his first term.
They said the governor deserves a second term to complete ongoing projects.
“Let's be honest with each other, Nyong’o has done a commendable job. He has accomplished almost 90 per cent of the promises he made in his manifesto in 2017. He is the best bet,” elder Amos Owang’ said.
Elder Nyangaga Awuondo said, “We have sat down as elders from the larger Kano community. We have analysed the political leadership in this county and concluded that Prof Nyong’o is the best. We will campaign for him.”
The elders asked the governor to construct a shrine at the site where the legendary Luo warrior Lwanda Magere from Kano was killed. The governor promised to have the shrine constructed.
He also promised to improve roads in the area, which the elders said were in a sorry state.
Campaigns for the race have been gaining momentum as hopefuls craft alliances.
While the governor hopes to use various development projects undertaken under his watch, his opponents are keen to use the demolitions carried out to pave the way for the city’s development to punch holes in his campaigns.
Senator Outa said the group would early next year unveil a candidate to unseat Nyong’o.
“We are also in talks with other like-minded leaders in our political course. By January, white smoke will be seen. A candidate shall be known,” he said.
Outa said the group is also talking to Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch and his Kisumu East counterpart Shakeel Shabir, among others.
Ranguma and Outa, who were in opposing camps in 2017, said they will mount an issue-based campaign to ensure Nyong’o is voted out.
They accused Nyong’o of poor leadership.
In the 2017 election, Outa played a pivotal role in the election Nyong’o but the two fell out soon after the governor was sworn in.
Outa blamed Nyong’o for inadequate drugs in county hospitals, despite receiving cash from the National Treasury every financial year.
“We cannot afford to have our people die in health facilities because there is no medicine,” he said.
The senator urged ODM leader Raila Odinga to ensure the party primaries are free, fair and credible.
He called on residents to register as voters in large numbers to help Raila clinch the presidency.
“It is only Raila's vote that is guaranteed. The rest of the seats such as governor, senator, MPs and MCA are open. Let those with a preferred list of candidates come and meet us. We will crush them with a landslide victory,” Outa said.
He apologised for campaigning against Ranguma in 2017, saying they want to 'correct' past mistakes.
Oloo said, “We regret for not re-electing Ranguma. The current leadership must be changed. The whole subcounty has no road. We cannot be without drugs in hospitals. As Kisumu county, we want transformative change.”
But Deputy Governor Mathews Owili defended Nyong'o's administration, saying they have initiated massive development projects in the county, including health facilities, water and roads.
He told Outa to stick to the Senate seat.
“You will be a worthy competitor, but you should remain in the Senate,” Owili said.
Edited by A.N