2007 Elections
Nyachae faces stiffest test of long career
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- Published on Wednesday, 21 November 2007 03:17
Nyaribari Chache Constituency needs little introduction. Its name has since Independence been synonymous with the family of the colonial Senior Chief Musa Nyandusi, father of post-colonial administrative, political and corporate giant Simeon Nyachae.
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| Simeon Nyachae |
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| Chris Bichage |
But for the first time the electorate of this area is apparently defying Nyachae’s preferred political path. Whereas the septuagenarian has enjoyed near-fanatical support since he joined Parliament in 1992, issues other than his name will for the first time come to the fore come Election Day December 27.
Top on the agenda will be the clan matrix that was a key factor in Nyaribari Chache politics before Nyachae came on the scene.
The constituency has four major clans — the Kamba Nane, Boguche, Botondo and Bosigisa, in order of population strength.
There are many issues that affect the economy of this area which politicians will want to cash in on in the electrifying atmosphere of electioneering. These include a poor road network and high levels of poverty.
Nyachae’s political opponents will also want it believed that allocation of CDF money has been biased.
Despite being one of the leading producers of horticulture, Nyaribari Chache has no processing factories for its produce. The constituency is best known for its giant bananas and farmers sell their produce at throwaway prices for lack of local factories and better marketing outlets.
Instead, farmers have become roadside hawkers. There are dramatic but saddening scenes of struggle for attention along the busy Kisii-Nairobi road as they hustle to sell their bananas, avocadoes and sugarcane to motorists.
Education standards in the constituency have been on a steady decline. Voters and other residents want their next MP to provide some remedy. Schools that performed well in national exams in the past have long disappeared from the national limelight. Unemployment is of concern in Nyaribari Chache and will play a great role in screening the candidates, the majority of whom have held influential positions in the private and public sectors.
Like other constituencies, Nyaribari Chache has enormous natural resources that should translate into better living standards but do not. Although many healthcare centres have been erected in this area few have equipment, drugs and essential facilities. Fewer still have the necessary personnel.
Few families in Nyaribari Chache are connected to the national electricity grid. Perhaps due to Nyachae’s influence in the Cabinet, a few roads in the constituency are being tarmacked. They include the Gesusu-Keumbu, Nyabisabo-Igare and Kisii Kilgoris routes. The minister will spare no chance to remind voters of these accomplishments.
Tea farmers from the area also want their own factory to process their produce. Nyachae has been on the firing line from the Abagusii who subscribe to Opposition politics over his alleged role in an attack on ODM leaders in Kisii that left politicians William Ruto, Omingo Magara and Chris Bichage injured.
Bold and super rich, Nyachae is the senior-most Omogusii politician. A couple of years ago he broadly hinted that he was contemplating quitting active politics. But he bounced back with a vengeance. And the seat has attracted youthful candidates who include ODM’s Bichage and Dr Robert Monda, a veterinarian and a former Nyachae campaigner. Other challengers are Dr Sam Ogembo, John Anunda, Edward Ogoti Ongiti, John Okemwa, Eng Barnabas Ariga, Kerosi Ondieki, Dennis Omari and Prof Mary Moraa Gesicho. Also in the race are Richard Tongi, Ben Mogaka, Ratemo Masese, Haruon Bogita and Nelson Nyakundi.
