Nyamira county politics might take a different dimension after Gesima MCA Ken Atuti announced a possibility of teaming up with governor John Nyagarama to contest for the top seat.
Speaking at a funeral function at Nyabuya village on Tuesday, Atuti, who also serves as the deputy leader of minority, lauded Mr Nyagarama’s work and expressed interest to serve as his deputy in 2017 polls.
“I think I am capable of deputising our governor. He has done well and as people of Kitutu, I am ready to represent you as his deputy in the next polls. My CV is quite clean and even the count leadership knows that,” he said.
The announcement may elicit heated debate given that Mr Atuti comes from the vote-rich Kitutu Masaba constituency while the incumbent deputy governor Amos Nyaribo comes from North Mugirango constituency.
Further, Mr Atuti may face a possible rebellion from his Kitutu Masaba backyard given that the region has been complaining of discrimination by Nyagarama’s regime and many senior politicians backing Mr Charles Mochama, who emerged second in 2013 elections.
However, the move has already been opposed by a section of Gesima residents, who termed Mr Atuti’s ambitions as ‘myopic and detrimental’ saying the region will aim nothing less than the gubernatorial seat.
“He is mistaken and his announcement is myopic. He is there to hamper our chances of producing the next governor and he knows that the current leadership has lost direction,” said Mr Mokaya Maroko.