President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses more than 15,000 leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties. [Photo/ PSCU]
For many years, Kisii and Nyamira counties were strongholds of Opposition leader Raila Odinga, but since the August 8 general election, the ground has completely shifted in favor of President Uhuru Kenyatta. President Kenyatta’s relentless campaigns in the two counties, which are both occupied by members of the Abagusii community members, saw him get 52% of Nyamira votes and 48% in neighbouring Kisii. And now, ahead of the October 17 presidential rerun, President Kenyatta is expected to perform even better in the two areas, following his meeting with more than 15,000 leaders from the region. The leaders, some of who did not support the president in last month’s polls, have now pledged to help the Jubilee boss win both counties by a bigger margin, and lock out Mr Odinga’s influence in the region. Among them were PDP’s Oroo Oyioka (Bomachari), Ezekiel Machogu (National Agenda Party, Nyaribari Masaba), Prof Zadock Ogutu (Independent, Bomachoge Borabu) and PDP’s Innocent Obiri (Bobasi). Other MPs from Gusii community who will spearhead the campaign for President Kenyatta’s reelection are MPs Shadarack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Milly Omanga (nominated), Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North) and Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache).The MPs included members of the People’s Democratic Party, who announced that they would rally behind the President’s re-election.Others were former MPs Joseph Kiangoi, Walter Nyambati, James Magara and former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae.The legislators dismissed claims by the Opposition that Kisii and Nyamira Counties were its strongholds. “We want to assure you that as leaders we will do our best to deliver the Abagusii votes so as to enable President Kenyatta win with more than 70 percent when the October elections are held,” said Mr Mose.Mr Angwenyi, who was recently made deputy majority leader in the National Assembly, said the Abagusii people will not be misled to support parties that end up in the opposition.“We want to be part and parcel of the Jubilee Administration. This is why we are here today to assure the President that we are firmly in support of his reelection,” the MP said. Mr Odinga’s attacks on Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who is widely respected in Gusii region, have also not helped matters.