Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma has warned area residents against ‘giniwasekao’ mentality which he said may deny Raila presidential victory in 2017.
The phrase ‘giniwasekao’ was formulated in 2014 to show confidence in an earlier celebratory mood. Before and after Gor Mahia Football Club won the Kenya Premier League title.
The term has since been used by the Luos to express confidence in any competition, with most of them being swayed by celebratory mood even before the actual competition.
Governor Ranguma who addressed a gathering during the county interdenominational prayer meeting on Monday expressed fears that the mentality has seen many people fail to register as voters hence denying their preferred candidates victory.
“When you shout ‘giniwasekao’ yet you have not registered as a voter, do you think the shout alone will count during the election,' asked Ranguma.
"Tell me how do you win without participating in the competition? I urge our people to stop that mentality and register as voters,” said Ranguma.
“As an individual what is your contribution towards our main objective of having Raila as President in 2017? Can’t you even send messages to all the contacts in your phone book reminding them to register as voters,” added Ranguma.
He called upon area residents to come out in large numbers and sensitize one another on the importance of voter registration so as to have all eligible voters registered and take part in the 2017 general election.