2007 Elections

NYARIBARI MASABA - Top guns to renew 20-year rivalry

Details

Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2007 06:05

For close to two decades, the politics of Nyaribari Masaba constituency have been dominated by two people — the incumbent MP, Dr Hezron Manduku, and former minister Sam Ongeri. 

Campaigns for the seat have usually been a two-horse race. But things could change this time round, as 17 people have so far said they will vie for the seat. They say they want to end the dominance of the two politicians.

But Prof Ongeri counters: “Those saying we should retire are panicking. I am in a prime age to be an MP and to hold another position in the Government.” He says the notion that they have overstayed in politics is “misplaced and a phobia”. 

Lining up

Those lining up for the seat include: Dr Manduku (Ford People), Prof Ongeri (Kanu), former DC Ezekiel Machogu, and lawyer Ocharo Kebira. The latter two are in Narc Kenya.

Others include: businessman George Anunda Nyamweya (ODM-K), accountant Bernard Ondari (ODM-K) and former Nema boss Ratemo Michieka (Narc-K).

Yet others are: John Obwocha, Mr Matigere Nduko, Mr Joel Onsare, Mr Elijah Moindi, Mr Daniel Kiyondi, Mr Charles Maranga, Mr Richard Oguku, Mr John Matonda, Mr Nyandusi Nyakeramba, Mr Joel Onsare and Mr George Nyamweya (Democratic Party). 

The three major clans — Boguche, Botondo and Kamba Nane — play a big part in local politics. (Kamba Nane is a conglomeration of eight sub-clans).

Dr Manduku is from Botondo clan while Prof Ongeri, Mr Machogu and Mr Anunda are from Boguche clan. Prof Michieka and Mr Kebira are from Kamba Nane, which usually calls the shots. It has more than half the votes in Nyaribari. A general feeling is that one of its own should clinch the seat.

The entry of Prof Michieka, Mr Machogu and other youthful politicians is giving Dr Manduku sleepless nights.

Mr Machogu is yet to declare the party he will vie on but he has been contributing a lot to development projects. 

During his tenure in Parliament, Prof Ongeri initiated several projects in the area through personal donations and funds drives. Under his watch, Keroka-Nyangusu Road was tarmacked. Other projects included schools, health centres, water and rural electrification. 

What could stand in his way might be the party he will vie on, as he is one of the vice-chairmen of a Kanu faction led by Keiyo South MP Nicholas Biwott.