- Some say picking a woman would be a political masterstroke that might bolster Arati's political fortunes.
- Governor Simba Arati is expected to consider a delicate clan balance to pick his next DG.
Image: FILE
Former Uhuru Kenyatta era Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache is among big names being fronted to replace ousted Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda.
Ex-Nyaribari Chache MP Richard Tong’i and veteran politicians James Kenani and Chris Bichage are also being fronted for the vacant position.
Mochache served as PS in the influential Health docket for seven years while Tong’i is the immediate former Nyaribari Chache MP having served for two terms.
Bichage told the Star that it is a prerogative of Governor Simba Arati to pick whoever he believes will better help him deliver on his mandate.
"It is upon the governor to make that decision, but if he nominates me and I get approval from MCAs, I will be willing and available to help him deliver on his mandate,'' Bichage said.
While Mochache is not a politician, those backing her say her managerial skills and experience in the public service will help Arati deliver on his mandate.
This is as various leaders over the weekend sustained strategy meetings to lobby for the position that fell vacant following the impeachment of Monda as deputy governor.
Monda was ousted by the Senate in an overwhelming vote last Thursday, ending his illustrious political and public service career unless he successfully appeals the impeachment at the High Court.
The Senate confirmed all the four charges levelled against him including alleged extortion of Sh800,000 from a youth who was seeking a job at the Gusii Water and Sanitation Company.
Over the weekend, key political leaders from the county were on an overdrive campaign to lobby for the position which many argue belongs to the Nyaribari clan where Monda hails from.
Former Kisii Senate aspirant Charles Nyachae hosted an event at his rural home and distanced himself from reports that he is eyeing the position.
Nyachae, a member of UDA, instead asked local leaders from the clan to strategise on how the position would be given to one of them.
Nyachae is serving as the chairperson of the Kenya School of Government Board after quitting as a judge at the Arusha-based East African Court of Justice.
“Nyaribari has great politicians who have previously worked with my late father for many years. I want to ask you to come together and find a way of approaching the governor. That governor is an intelligent man with good foresight the way I know him,’’ Nyachae said.
The meeting was attended by a section of Kisii County Assembly MCAs from the Nyaribari clan.
MCAs Wilfred Monyenye(Kisii Central), his predecessor Kefa Mogaka, and Steve Arika(Ibeno) were among those who attended the meeting.
As Nyachae distanced himself from the DG succession politics various groups called for press conferences on Sunday to lobby for their leaders.
Some leaders campaigned for Kenani to take over the position saying the politico is loyal and trusted.
“We want our governor to consider James Kenani for the position because he is experienced and educated. He is also loyal,’’ Albert Mokua, a resident of Nyaribari said.
Mokua was among Keumbu residents who called a press briefing on Sunday to lobby for Kenani.
Another group also called for the nomination of Bichage, who hails from Nyaribari Chache.
Bichage had a short stint in Parliament as MP before his win was overturned by the High Court a few months after the 2013 general elections.
“Bichage has been patient like the Biblical Naomi and we pray that Arati considers him for the seat,’’ Omari Kebwaro, a resident of Keumbu said.
Arati has until March 28 to name his new deputy, according to the County Government Act which requires the governor to fill a vacant DG post within 14 days after a vacancy has arisen.
While the governor may settle on Nyaribari Chache to produce the next DG because Monda hailed from there, he is not under any obligation.
He can also pick someone from another clan to replace Monda depending on the political dynamics of the moment.
Some say picking a woman would be a political masterstroke that might bolster Arati's political fortunes.