2007 Elections

NORTH MUGIRANGO / BORABU- Incumbent faces battle with old rival

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Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2007 06:04

Mr Godfrey Masanya is poised for another fight with a bitter rival and one he beat to the seat in the 2002 election. 

He takes on Mr Joseph Kiangoi in a crowded field in a poll in which the choice of a political party could be the deciding factor. It is the largest of the 10 constituencies in the three Gusii districts, and has attracted one of the largest numbers of possible contestants in recent times.

The candidates hope that the constituency will be split to create at least a separate Borabu. Borabu division has an estimated population of 64,780 and 22,266 registered voters, making a strong candidate for a full-fledged poll area.

The seat has also attracted  businessmen Patrick Osero and Benjamin Moreka, Mr Amos Nyaribo, Mr Charles Ombui, as well as former MP Alfayo Nyarangi Moturi and his younger brother Nyayiemi Moturi. 

The others are: Mr Isaac Keengwe, retired military brigadier Manyara Mikae, Mr Magare Suleiman, lawyer Bernard Momanyi, Mr Moses Monari, Mr Charles Makone, Mr Josephen Nyarera, Ms Rebecca Nyaanga, Mrs Nyarinda Moikobu and Mr Charles Otwori.

The name of high schoolteacher Mong’are Munde is also being mentioned as well as that of Kenya Tea Packers Association chairman and Kenya Tea Development Agency director John Nyagarama, who could shift his base from West Mugirango to Borabu if the constituency is split.

The area’s economic activity is agriculture — mainly tea, coffee, maize and dairy farming. Coffee production in the lower parts of Nyamusi division has been diminishing, further impoverishing the residents.

The high poverty levels might have been aggravated by poor management of cooperative societies. In the recent past, however, NGOs like World Vision have started programmes aimed at alleviating poverty.

Roads minister Simeon Nyachae’s Ford People has a big presence, while Narc-Kenya and the opposition ODM Kenya are making inroads.

Mr Masanya, who rose from a primary schoolteacher to become a Kenya National Trading Corporation manager, will be starting his campaign from a rather weak point as he is accused of a poor development record. Some constituents also say that he rarely contributes to debates in Parliament.