For a moment in Kisii town, businesses came into standstill as millionaire Don Bosco Gichana landed in choppers as thousands flocked to Gusii stadium for his homecoming.
It all started with a closed-door somber ceremony at his Rikenye home where he laid a wreath on his mother's grave, marking his return after missing the 2016 funeral since he was still in Tanzania prison.
Interestingly, despite the multitude which turned up, local politicians among them Governor James Ongwae were missing in action with a host of MPs also giving the event a wide berth.
"I don't know why people are scared. It is just a simple homecoming," said Bosco, even as the multitude kept chanting 'cowards' in reference to his critics.
He added: "As a community, we are ready to move on. We shall unite and speak in one voice. This is absolutely necessary."
Accompanying him were Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, who urged local politicians to be tolerant.
Mr. Sudi castigated local leadership for an attempted sabotage of the ceremony after the county showed signs of blocking three helicopters from landing.
"We must change our attitude. When you tell us that choppers can't land here, then there is something you're hiding. Let us be honest and embrace others. We don't have people with more political rights than others."
Mr. Gichana is expected to partnership with Abagusii spokesman Simba Arati for Kisii gubernatorial seat in 2022.
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