Why Nyansiongo ward by-election is turning to be a high stakes for UDA, Opposition

UDA Treasurer Japhet Nyakundi in one of the campaigns in Nyansiongo./HANDOUT

A by-election in Nyansiongo Ward, Nyamira County, has been elevated into a national limelight due to heightened campaign activities by both the government and opposition side.

Although there are three ward by-elections in Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya, the focus has remained largely in Nyansiongo.

Why Nyansiongo? This is the home of former Interior Cabinet Secretary and presidential hopeful Dr. Fred Matiang’i. This appears to have turned an otherwise low-profile by-election into a high stakes exercise.  

Last week, Dr. Matiang’i questioned the huge resources that have been deployed to such a small electoral area, contending that the agenda of the government is to embarrass him by seeking to win the seat by any means.

"This is not just about politics; it is an attempt to undermine my influence in Gusii. It is unusual to see helicopters being used in by-elections," he said.

The ruling UDA is fielding Dennis Kebaso against two candidates allied to Dr Matiang’i; UPA’s Kevin Maranga and PDP’s Jackson Mogusu. ODM is fielding Dickson Machungo.

UDA has deployed a high-powered delegation, and the team has been holding rallies, meetings, and even attending church services as they seek to woo support for Kebaso.

In some incidents, the team hops from one centre to another using choppers in a ward that can be traversed within 45 minutes from one part to another by road.

UDA Treasurer Japhet Nyakundi has particularly camped in the region, concentrating in Nyansiongo and once in a while holding rallies in Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya wards.  

On the other side, Matiang’i is leading his team that included ex-Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, ex-Minister Sam Ongeri, former MP Omingo Magara, area MP Patrick Osero (Borabu), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Obadiah Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu) and Senators Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Okong’o Omogeni (Nyamira).

The stakes are so high that by Saturday, some politico allegedly approached UPA’s Marang’a in a bid to convince him to step aside for Kebaso.

Today, the Matiang’i team is expected to grace a fundraiser at Nyansiongo Catholic Diocese, where the campaigns are likely to dominate.

The by-election was caused by a poll petitioned that was filed by Mogusu against Kebaso, who was elected on Jubilee Party in 2022 before switching to UDA.