- The MP was elected on a KNC ticket in 2017 but switched to UDA.
- Analysts say Osoro is facing a defining moment in his budding political career.
Image: Mercy Mumo
At least 10 aspirants have declared their interest in unseating South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro.
Osoro is Deputy President William Ruto’s point man in Kisii.
Despite past political waves, the constituency, which is seen as the hotbed of Gusii politics, has always gone against the tide to consolidate its position as the epicentre of opposition politics.
Osoro is seeking to defend his seat on the UDA ticket in a contest that analysts say will be closely watched in the wake of a strong Azimio La Umoja wave in the region.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i hails from the constituency. There is no love lost between the MP and the CS.
Some of the frontrunners in the race include veteran politician Rashid Minyong’a and former long-serving national director of public health and head of special programmes Kepha Ombacho.
Others include former county ODM chairman Gideon Moreka (Ford Kenya), Matiang’i's personal assistant David Onyancha (UPA), businessman Vincent Marube and Dennis Makori (ODM).
Medical doctor Willis Omwoyo, John Anyona, Daniel Apepo and Bichang’a are also in the race.
However, there are conflicting reports that Omwoyo and Onyancha are still serving in government.
Backed by Minyong'a, Makori gave Osoro a run for his money in the 2017 general election. He lost narrowly to the MP by 734 votes.
The majority of the aspirants are aligned to parties that support ODM leader Raila Odinga and Osoro is seen as a lone ranger in the push to market Ruto in the constituency as he fights for survival.
Ombacho is relying on his experience in the management of national government projects and his performance track record.
He is banking on the many projects he initiated in the health, education, churches and infrastructure sectors.
Ombacho is running under the Azimio movement.
"I'm motivated to serve my people to improve their status and utilise my linkages to spur development in the constituency," he said.
Ombacho said the community requires a mature, sober and transparent leader who is motivated to serve the interests of the people.
The constituency has a history of aligning itself with opposition politics, with Raila enjoying significant support in the area that borders Luo Nyanza.
Former MPs Manson Nyamweya and Omingo Magara have in the past been elected based on their vibrancy in opposition politics, except in 2002 when Ford People swept Gusii.
Analysts say Osoro is facing a defining moment in his budding political career.
He was elected on the Kenya National Congress ticket but severed links with party leader Nyamweya, his predecessor. Nyamweya is running for governor.
Osoro has banked on his grass to grace story to endear himself to voters.
On Tuesday, Minyong’a, a veteran politician who temporarily shifted base to Nairobi’s Embakasi South in 2019, said he is the best bet to take South Mugirango to the next level. He is running on the People's Democratic Party.
“Under my leadership, I will demystify clannism, unite our people and spread development to all corners. It is shameful that in the 21st Century we are entangled in clan politics,” he said.
The Nairobi-based businessman warned Osoro to be ready for an embarrassing defeat at the ballot.
“I'm going into this election to win. There are no two ways about it. We can’t have more than four paved roads in one region when others are suffering,” he declared.
Opponents have accused Osoro of inequitable development, claiming that most of the projects are concentrated on one side of the constituency.
But Osoro has defended his record.
“No MP has done what I have delivered in South Mugirango. We have achieved a lot in the last five years but we have unfinished business upon which I am seeking a second term,” the MP said.
Makori debunked Osoro’s narrative, saying the constituency has largely been neglected.
“He [Osoro] has no connection with the people. I have during his absence been so close to the people who are now ready to confirm me as their next MP,” Makori said.
During Osoro’s tenure there have been complaints about biased allocation of NG-CDF projects and distribution of bursaries, with some aspirants saying the MP’s regime entrenched marginalisation.
“If elected, my first assignment would be to ensure fairness in the management of CDF and bursaries, spread development equitably and introduce people-centred programmes that change lives,” Moreka said.
There are three major clans in South Mugirango that usually determine the voting patterns. They are Bosinange, Botabori and Getenga.