Kisii governor hopefuls to avoid nomination contests

Aspirants seeking to succeed Kisii Governor James Ongwae will have to square it out at the ballot in August 9 polls by avoiding nomination contests. 

Kisii is largely seen as ODM leader Raila Odinga's stronghold and it is expected that his party would have to conduct nominations to decide on who flies the flag.

Senator Sam Ongeri, Woman Representative Janet Ong'era, Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati and Deputy Governor Joash Maangi are all angling for the ODM ticket, setting the stage for a bruising nominations battle.

However, it has emerged that only Arati submitted his application for the party ticket in the Kisii gubernatorial contest.

Ong'era pulled out of the race last month while Ongeri decamped to DAP-K led by Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi.

Maangi defected to UDA and will run for Senate. He accused ODM of betrayal.

Ong’era will face Jackline Karani and former broadcaster Dorice Aburi in the party primaries.

On Wednesday, Maangi hosted UDA governor aspirant Ezekiel Machogu, his running mate Julius Ogamba Migos and Bomachoge Chache MP Alfa Miruka at his Riagongera home.

He endorsed Machogu’s bid to replace Ongwae who is completing his two terms in August.

Separately, Jubilee party aspirant Chris Obure said he is ready to face his rivals in the Azimio La Umoja coalition.

“I have sought nomination on Jubilee party and at the moment I am the only aspirant. I am aware that there are other aspirants who are affiliated to Azimio," Obure said. 

"My appeal to them is that as we campaign for ourselves and our presidential aspirant Raila Odinga. We should do mature, peaceful and sober campaigns.” 

Obure spoke at a Kisii hotel on Thursday after meeting a delegation from Boochi Tendere ward. He was accompanied by his running mate William Mbaka.

Obure and Mbaka promised to transform Kisii county if elected.

“We have what it takes. We shall use our experience and networks to transform Kisii,” Mbaka, who is a financial expert, said.

A delegation of about 100 people endorsed Obure.

“Obure is experienced and we are confident that he is the right candidate to take over from Ongwae. He has a track record unlike most of the aspirants,” Linet Moraa, a resident, said. 

Another resident, James Atema, said, “Some people are saying that Obure is old and should retire but we don’t agree with that. We need his experience because he has served as MP, minister and senator."

(edited by Amol Awuor)