Historian Prof. Nyachieo Bogonko on Sunday told off Nyamira leaders against campaign of clanism basis and challenged residents to choose leaders based on their ability.
Bogonko warned that the region was likely to lag behind in terms of development if leaders continued to campaign on basis of clan.
“I have sat here listening to your speeches and I must say that this county is heading nowhere. You can’t sit here discussing how to front someone from your clan to challenge someone in 2017,” Bogonko said.
He said devolution was likely to lose meaning if residents vote candidates in gubernatorial race based on the clan they come from.
“The main reason for devolution is to bring development closer to people. The narrative that you need one of your own as Governor now makes you people loses focus. Dividing our people on clanism basis will harm our society and crumble devolution,” he said.
He challenged aspirants to campaign on economic policies that could show their prowess in managing county units rather than zooning regions for votes.
“It’s sad that our politicians remain static on matters leadership. Zooning regions for political support is an outdated thing. You sell your policies to people and let the best candidate win,” he added.
Bogonko urged Nyamira residents to shun politicians who were out to divide them along their clans for the sake of winning an election.
“The clan where an aspirant comes from does not matter. What matters is the personality and ability of someone. Clan cocoons should not have their place in the society and as voters, ignore such characters,” he said.
During the funeral, politics took centre stage with a host of politicians from Kitutu Masaba challenging former MP Walter Nyambati and Charles Mochama(they come from same region) to bury their hatchet and front one of then to challenge Governor John Nyagarama in 2017 polls, a reason that seemed to have angered Prof. Bogonko.
Nyachieo Bogonko addressing residents of Bogwendo in Nyamira. He has cautioned residents against choosing people based on their clans in elections/Abuga Makori)