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Is Kisii politics ready to explode?

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Published on Monday, 12 July 2010 20:49

The silent between Kenya’ Education Minister Professor Samson Ongeri and his Public Works counterpart Christopher Obure is just but another round of battles pitting Kisii political generals.

What makes the battle interesting is that they belong two different factions of the Grand Coalition Government, with the education minister leaning towards Party of National Unity (PNU) unlike the latter who was elected on Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This time, the two generals are on the same side, campaigning for the passing of the Proposed Draft Constitution, but have lined up their foot soldiers against each other. Although the clash has not boiled out in the open, it’s symbolic of volatile nature of Kissi politics that have never seen unity among their elected leaders.

It’s instructive to note that both ministers saw their preferred candidates miss out last month’s South Mugirango by- election that was won by Manson Onyongo Nyamweya on Ford People ticket. That’s not withstanding that the grueling campaigns was done from both ground and air. Those well versed with Kisii politics says both ministers are ready to go on the war path to for their political survival. At the weekend, the Public Works Minister led over 100 civic leaders from the community, in endorsing the draft constitution, a function that Hon Ongeri gave a wide berth.

One borne of conflict that has always shaped Kisii politics community spokesman, previously held by former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae and now claimed by both. Another area of conflict is the boundaries and names of the administrative units. The battle lines are reminiscent of the dominant political days of the late Dr Zachary Onyonka, who has since been succeeded by his son Richard.

During 1980’s, the elder Onyonka engaged his cabinet colleague Lawrence Sagini in very interesting race to become the doyen of Gusii politics. Other famous leaders who have dominated the community political spectrum are Andrew Omanga, David Kombo, Protas Kebati Momanyi, David Onyancha, George Anyona and Zephenia Anyieni. Industrious and hardworking people, Abagussis are found in Nyanza Province alongside Luos and the Kurias.

 The Bantu ethnic group live one of the most densely populated and fertile areas of Kenya. Comprising seven percent of Kenya’s population, Kisii’s closest tribe is the Merus. During 2002 general elections, Mr. Nyachae embodied Kisii collective political unity when he contested the presidency on Ford People ticket and stamped his dominance in the community politics.