Gusii Community Contemplates Political Shift Ahead of 2027 Elections.
The Omogusii community in Kenya is considering a new political direction as the 2027 general elections approach. This comes amid growing discontent with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and its leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Several leaders from the Gusii region have accused Raila of sidelining and excluding the community from key government positions. They argue that despite ODM being allocated five Cabinet Secretary slots, the Gusii community was not represented.
Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku has warned of a potential mass walkout from ODM if the situation does not change. He claims that leaders from the region are already in talks to chart a new political path for the community.
Education CS Julius Ogamba, who is allied with the Kenya Kwanza government, is the only Cabinet Secretary from the Gusii region. However, he vied for the position of deputy governor for Kisii on the UDA party ticket in 2022.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has emerged as a potential presidential candidate for the community in 2027. Matiang'i served for 10 years in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee government.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, an ODM deputy party leader, has called for the Gusii region to receive its fair share of government opportunities. He stated that the community's vote must count and that they will not be intimidated by claims of other regions having larger numbers.
The potential political shift evoked memories of the 2002 elections when former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae engineered a significant rebellion within the community. Nyachae had signed a pact with Raila's LDP to support his presidential bid, but Raila's famous "Kibaki Tosha" declaration at Uhuru Park dealt a devastating blow to Nyachae's aspirations.
The Omogusii community has nearly two million votes in Nyamira, Kisii, and the diaspora. Leaders from the region argue that this significant voting bloc cannot be ignored in national politics.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Gusii community's political trajectory will be closely watched. The potential candidacy of Fred Matiang'i and the growing discontent with ODM could reshape the political landscape in the region and beyond.
The Omogusii community in Kenya is considering a new political direction as the 2027 general elections approach. This comes amid growing discontent with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and its leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Several leaders from the Gusii region have accused Raila of sidelining and excluding the community from key government positions. They argue that despite ODM being allocated five Cabinet Secretary slots, the Gusii community was not represented.
Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku has warned of a potential mass walkout from ODM if the situation does not change. He claims that leaders from the region are already in talks to chart a new political path for the community.
Education CS Julius Ogamba, who is allied with the Kenya Kwanza government, is the only Cabinet Secretary from the Gusii region. However, he vied for the position of deputy governor for Kisii on the UDA party ticket in 2022.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has emerged as a potential presidential candidate for the community in 2027. Matiang'i served for 10 years in former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee government.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati, an ODM deputy party leader, has called for the Gusii region to receive its fair share of government opportunities. He stated that the community's vote must count and that they will not be intimidated by claims of other regions having larger numbers.
The potential political shift evoked memories of the 2002 elections when former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae engineered a significant rebellion within the community. Nyachae had signed a pact with Raila's LDP to support his presidential bid, but Raila's famous "Kibaki Tosha" declaration at Uhuru Park dealt a devastating blow to Nyachae's aspirations.
The Omogusii community has nearly two million votes in Nyamira, Kisii, and the diaspora. Leaders from the region argue that this significant voting bloc cannot be ignored in national politics.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the Gusii community's political trajectory will be closely watched. The potential candidacy of Fred Matiang'i and the growing discontent with ODM could reshape the political landscape in the region and beyond.
