ODM leader Raila Odinga and DP William Ruto are in a battle to consolidate Kisii votes ahead of the 2022 General Election.
While Raila Odinga has Interior CS Fred Matiang’I and Kisii Governor James Ongwae as his strongmen from the region, Ruto is counting on Deputy Governor Joash Maangi for the Kisii votes.
Led by Joash Maangi, Ruto allies from Kisii and Nyamira Counties met on Thursday, July 8 to discuss the social-economic issues affecting the region.
In the meeting, the leaders agreed to form a special committee to collect views on the region’s interests, which will then be presented to Ruto.
“There will be a steering committee that will traverse the entire region to consult, collect and collate the issues affecting the region to come up with a detailed blueprint tailored to the current needs of the region,” Joash Maangi said.
After consulting opinion leaders and other stakeholders, the task force will develop the region’s wish list for DP Ruto’s consideration, and in return, he will get Kisii votes.
In the meeting, Joash Maangi was accompanied by other strongmen from Kisii including Charles Nyachae, People’s Democratic Party leader Omingo Magara, MPs Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango) and Alfa Miruka of Bomachoge Chache.
ODM leader has also been eyeing the Kisii votes, and recently, he started his journey by uniting Kisii Governor James Ongwae and Interior CS Fred Matiang’I.
The two leaders had clashed during the Bonchari by-elections that were held on May 18 where ODM emerged victorious.
“Leaders from Gusii region led by CS Fred Matiangi, Governor James Ongwae, Timothy Bosire, and Senator Janet Ongera have resolved to put aside their political differences and work together for the good of the people and the region” ODM Communications Director Philip Etale said in a tweet.
With each one of them having his own team of strongmen from the region, Raila and Ruto are aiming to get a share of the 278,853 registered votes from Nyamira and 546,580 from Kisii county.
