Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama’s re-election bid has been dealt a blow after the untimely demise of a trusted lieutenant.
Mr Dominic Matoke, a respected political advisor who played an integral role in Nyagarama’s victory during 2013 polls, passed away on Sunday evening at a Kisumu hospital after a short period of an illness.
In his official post at the county’s website, Nyagarama mourned Matoke as an ‘indomitable political strategist’ who mastered voting patterns in the entire county.
“I am shocked to learn the untimely death of my political advisor Dominic Matoke who passed away last evening. He was such an indomitable political strategist who had mastered voting patterns in Nyamira,” read the statement.
“His contribution towards good governance and equal distribution of resources can never go unmentioned. This is a big loss for me as a person and for those who loved politics of uniting people. Hopefully as politicians, we must emulate him,” added Nyagarama.
County Assembly Majority Leader Laban Masira admitted of a possible political void in the Governor’s camp saying Mr. Matoke was irreplaceable.
“I want to agree with many pundits that this is a huge loss for Nyagarama. Matoke was a mobiliser who could change things in a matter of seconds. He was irreplaceable in Nyagarama’s campaign strategy and his absence in 2017 would be noticeable,” he said.