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Nyachae Calls Time On Career
- Details
- Published on Monday, 16 July 2007 22:29
Nyachae's decision has caused confusion among his ardent supporters and adversaries. Many still feel Nyachae failed to come out clearly on the matter, leaving even his Nyaribari-Chache constituents wondering what the Roads minister meant. By stating publicly that his political future now lies with the larger Nyandusi family, Nyachae's statement can be interpreted to mean that he has called it quits.
Nyachae, a career civil servant-turned-political party chief, has in the past not relied on his family to make major decisions. This explains why his supporters feel the minister has finally decided to quit elective party politics.
The latest statement was the second of its kind to be made by Nyachae. Early last month, while inaugurating the Miritini-Maji ya Jumvi road, which is part of the Mombasa road, Nyachae told his audience that he felt he had served Kenyans well and needed to take a rest.
He reportedly reminded those in attendance how he had rose through the ranks to where he was today, and said "even if I retire, I am sure I have served Kenyans well".
He repeated the same statement in the presence of a galaxy of lawyers who included his eldest son Charles. Nyachae has as good as made up his mind to retire from elective politics.
If his family, which many close associates believe hardly goes against his inner feelings, agrees with the minister's wish to retire, then a new chapter would be opened in Kisii politics.
Nyachae has over the years influenced the region's voting patterns as many regarded him as a political guide. Many have made a name, and indeed their political careers, by associating with him. But, at the same time, there are other Kisii residents who have been busy bashing the minister and blaming him for their respective MPs' failures.
His exit would no doubt change politics in Kisii where individual parliamentary aspirants and the current MPs will now have to stand on their own. A group of prominent people from the region with divergent political views led by South Mugirango MP, Mr Omingo Magara, were gearing to dismantle what they believe to be the Nyachae political dynasty.
Also in this camp is former Permanent Secretary James Ongwae who many believe will seek an elective post in the next elections.
If Nyachae opted out without being forced to leave the scene through a defeat at the General Election, his critics, too, will not have it easy either as they will have to face their opponents without using Nyachae's name as a campaign tool. To many, Nyachae was Ford-People and he played a key role in the success of many politicians and also saw the collapse of the ambitions of others.
Many believe some of the current MPs rode on Nyachae's name among the Abagusii and his presidential bid to win their seats and his exit will leave them on shaky grounds.
Many are unlikely to retain their seats in the event that the Ford-People leader decides to exit.
Nyachae was at the centre of Omogusii politics even when he was a civil servant. During his heyday in both the Kenyatta and Moi governments, Nyachae would easily determine who became the MP in some parts of the community.
To many, Ford-People was Nyachae. His exit, many fear, may now see the party disintegrate. His own admission that he had no desire to gun for president again having lost in 2002 General Election has left Ford-People without a clear leader to gun for the country's top seat.
The situation is further complicated by the party chairman Kipkalya Kones' declaration to abandon his presidential ambitions in favour of Eldoret North Kanu MP William Ruto.
Observers say Nyachae sent signals that he was not keen to run for president again a year after he lost to President Kibaki.Speaking at Nyandusi grounds in his constituency during an annual cultural festival, which he sponsors and in the presence of Mwingi North MP Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Nyachae said he envisaged a situation where he played a role of an adviser.
He said: "I admire the Kamba people. They respect their leader, Mulu Mutisya (now deceased) so much that they consulted him before making any political move. I would like us, Abagusii to borrow a leaf from them. When some of us retire, we are respected as much, for it is through that, that a community would remain united and respected".
Nyachae, who was accompanied by several MPs, praised Musyoka and described him as "a worthy future leader". Musyoka was the chief guest at the function.
"I strongly feel Musyoka is a good leader. If you see me Nyachae, a tough headed person praising somebody, then you must know what I mean," he said.
Since then many have been wondering if Nyachae had thrown in the towel in politics and had decided it is time for him to play an advisory role.Within Ford-People and the Kisii community where Nyachae reigned supreme, many see planning minister Henry Obwocha as the man he would want to succeed him. Obwocha is West Mugirango MP.
Nyachae's next move remains unpredictable and he has other options. He might decide not to go for the presidency and rally behind another candidate and remain the party leader. If he opts to take this road, his influence among the Kisii may not be a factor given that he won't be a presidential candidate.
South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara is still undecided on which party ticket he would seek re-election, having fallen out with the Ford-People leadership. This leaves the community without a single politician whose party of choice would sway the electorate.
But Ford-People, Kanu, and LDP are the political parties to compete for supporters.Without any local politician having declared interest in the presidency, the Kisii will most likely support the Lang'ata MP, Mr Raila Odinga.
Odinga has lately been attracting massive crowds whenever he visits Gusiiland.
In the next 17 months, Kisii will be a hunting ground for all presidential candidates as Nyachae waits for his family to decide.
