The race for Nyamira Gubernatorial in 2017 is becoming tighter by the day, with leading aspirants keen to oust the incumbent John Nyagarama by teaming to come up with formidable forces.
Barely a week after former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati received crucial backing from 2013 aspirants Kinara Ndubi and Evans Misati, another heavyweight challenger Charles Mochama has been backed by Mwancha Okioma, also a onetime Kitutu Masaba MP.
Speaking on Friday at a funeral ceremony at his Mosobeti backyard, Okioma said he was keen to ensure votes from Kitutu Masaba constituency remained intact, and hinted bowing out in favour of Mochama.
“We all come from Kitutu Masaba and Nyamira is bigger than any of us. I cannot allow all of us to go for the gubernatorial seat because it will increase chances of Mzee (John Nyagarama) retaining the seat,” he said.
“Some will call me coward but I am ready to support my brother Charles (Mochama) for the sake of scooping the seat from the failed regime,” he said.
Okioma faulted the latest entry of Nyambati to the race, and accused the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation chair for being an opportunist.
“We are four constituencies in Nyamira, and every side is keen to capture the gubernatorial seat. He (Nyambati) called us sometime back and urged us to unite but it’s funny that he has joined the race. We cannot work with opportunists who are out to divide our constituents and that are why I have chosen to support Mochama,” he added.
In 2013 polls, Mochama finished second behind the incumbent while Okioma finished a distant forth in a closely contested election.
Photo: Charles Mochama and Mwancha Okioma during Friday’s function. Mr. Okioma has thrown his weight behind Mochama in Nyamira gubernatorial race. AMakori/Hivisasa.com