The decision by Nyamira Senator Mong’are Okong’o to join presidential race could be another stepping stone for Gusii community in the national political arena.
The community has produced more presidential candidates than any other community other than the Kikuyu community.
Mong’are became the third Kisii to join the race after former powerful Minister Simeon Nyachae and multiparty democracy fighter George Anyona.
In 1997, former Kitutu Masaba MP George Anyona finished a distant eighth in an election that saw retired President Daniel Moi secure his second term in office.
Five years later, Simeon Nyachae, father to the former Commission for Implementation of the Constitution chair Charles Nyachae, finished third, losing to Mwai Kibaki, the eventual winner of post KANU era.
Mang’are, the first time senator joins the list of Gusii community politicians who have stood agent all the odds to be on the ballot paper should he be on ballot next year.
Political pundit Nyachieo Bogonko backs the Okong’o’s bid saying his move would make political elites take minority communities seriously.
“It is not a question of winning but representing minority. He will remain in historical books whether he wins or not,” Bogonko said.