2007 Elections

BONCHARI - Bumpy stretch for Opore and other Ford-P MPs should Nyachae retire

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Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2007 05:49

Like nearly all MPs in Kisii region, Bonchari representative Zebedeo Opore might approach the elections with Ford People’s ticket safely in his hands.

But that might be as far as it goes. There are a host of challengers, particularly for ODM Kenya nomination. They feel they have an excellent chance of ending Ford People’s domination of Gusiiland.

Bonchari is ranked the poorest of the 10 constituencies in the area. Improving this status will be a key issue in the campaigns later this year.

Insecurity, falling education standards, poor state of roads and the age-old campaign for a banana processing factory will also feature prominently. Other topics include lack of electricity and medical facilities — the constituency has only the small Riotanchi Health Centre.

Mr Opore, who has double master’s degrees in economics from the University of Nairobi, will face a tough challenge in his bid to retain the seat he has held for two terms.

With the announced retirement of Roads minister and Ford People leader Simeon Nyachae, all the Ford People MPs elected on his influence in Gusiiland will have to change tactics.

The strongest challenge to the soft-spoken Opore is from ODM Kenya’s Charles Oigo Onyancha. Mr Onyancha had announced that he would quit politics after losing in 2002 on a Kanu ticket. However, he is now ready for another attempt.

Former assistant Director of Education Mr Oroo Oyioka is also in the race, as is Mr John Orwochi Mochama. Charles Oigo Onyancha