[A section of ODM Gusii delegation at Bomas on Monday. The region was a key beneficiary of ODM direct tickets. Photo/nation.co.ke]
Gusii region was the biggest beneficiary of ODM unopposed certificates ahead of primaries which kicks off on Friday.
In 2013, the densely populated region overwhelmingly voted for opposition leader Raila Odinga and Jubilee Party has since earmarked the region as tossup.
Last month, both President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto toured the region and expressed confidence that they will carry the day in August.
But barely a week after Uhuru’s visit, Odinga opened Lake Region Health and Investiment Forum and assured residents of Kisii county that NASA government would ‘clear’ Jubilee mess.
Among top aspirants who were issued with nomination certificates is Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Nominated senator Janet Ong’era, Sam Ongeri (Senator), Dr. Chris Behave [Nyaribari Chache].
Others from Nyamira include Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba], Charles Geni (North Mugirango], Alice Chae [Nyamira] and Dr. Nyandoro Kambi [Borabu].
Despite the high number of unopposed aspirants however, Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama has to tackle West Mugirango MP James Gesami for gubernatorial ticket.
Gusii region has a total of 800,000 registered voters and the number of the entire community could reach 1 million including those inhabiting different parts of the country.
Both Jubilee and opposition are keen to dominate the region in August polls to boost their numbers.