2007 Elections

BOMACHOGE - Battle of titans and minnows in the offing

Details

Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2007 05:46

Three politicians who have in the last two decades represented Bomachoge constituency will attempt to wrest the seat from the incumbent, Mr Joel Onyancha.

But clannism will be a determining factor since each clan wants one of their own as their next representative.

The four clans are Mr Onyancha’s own Bokione, Machoge, Boochi and Bombaba which is the smallest and has never produced an MP.

The other three former MPs eyeing the seat are Zephaniah Anyieni, Ferdinand Obure and Zephaniah Nyang’wara.

But the four will have to contend with a formidable opposition from new comers who include Mr Kepher Makori Kerama, Dr Naftali Bororo Oirere, a Nairobi-based architect Albert Nyaundi, Mr Ontiri Machana, former high school principal Samuel Ongori Migiro, a Mombasa businessman Richard Onsongo, Francis Obonyo, Zephaniah Angima and human rights activist Cyprian Nyamwamu.

Others include former Gucha Knut secretary Joseph Marimbu, Mr Koina Onyancha, a lawyer, former DC Ben Mogaka, and Mr Simeon Ogari a quantity surveyor based in Nairobi.

Mr Onyancha is a close ally of Roads minister Simeon Nyachae, the politician who defines the political landscape of the Kisii community.

It is difficult to tell whether it will be the case this time round.

Break record

Mr Onyancha has initiated a number of projects in the constituency that could give him an edge.

If he wins, he will be the first to break a record of retaining the seat for a second term.

Mr Nyang’wara, who lost to Mr Onyancha in the last General Election, hails from the Machoge clan together with Mr Kerama.

He still commands considerable support, and is remembered for his generous contributions to various projects during his tenure. He lost due to the Ford-P wave.

His supporters claim that if he was able to do that much under the former regime, he could do even more with CDF cash.