Kisii Governor James Ongwae will have to face a stiff challenge in his bid to retain the seat in 2017 after residents of Nyaribari Chache vowed to support an alternative candidate, accusing the incumbent of nepotism.
Speaking at a burial in Riondong’a village on Wednesday in the county, speaker-after-speaker criticised Governor Ongwae and promised to 'teach him a political lesson' in the next general election.
According to them, the region has been ignored by Mr Ongwae’s administration, adding that the governor had not launched concrete projects in the region.
“As people of Nyaribari, we cannot be cowed. The administration has failed us and the only weapon is to kick the governor out in 2017. He is full of favoritism and we have evidence that he has recruited most human resource in the county from his native Bogetutu region. Further, our region has lagged behind in terms of development,” said Mr Laban Onsomu.
They ruled out supporting the CIC chairman Charles Nyachae to the big seat but hinted of working with ‘like-minded’ people from South Mugirango.
“We are not bitter and hungry of leadership and therefore they should know that (Charles) Nyachae is not the only option. We have like-minded people from South Mugirango and who knows that we may work with them,” added activist Mbaka Bwomwando.
If their words are put into action, then the current South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya, who has expressed interest in the seat, will be the beneficiary of the Nyaribari votes in 2017 elections.