The entry of Dr. Fred Matiang’i into the presidential race might have a ripple effect in the political scene of Kisii and Nyamira Counties.
Though Matiang’i has been so far endorsed by party, it’s very early to authoritatively say that he will be in the ballot in the next General election .
Several voters from the larger Gusii voting block ( Kisii county and Nyamira County) say they will stand by “their son”. After all Kenya is still tribal when it comes to voting, talk about the tyranny of numbers.
According to the IEBC, Kisii had registered voters while Nyamira County had registered voters. Overally, the Gusii nation has registered voters.
Fred Matiang’i vying for president will put the current Kisii Governor Simba Arati in a dilemma either to support him or his party leader Raila Odinga stand. Arati is the deputy party leader of Orange Democratic Party while Dr. Matiang’i has been endorsed by another party.
As an outspoken leader from Kisii county, Arati has a huge influence. His stand about the Matiang’i presidency is likely to see him get or lose securing a second and final term as a governor. There are local voters who might not vote for him if he doesn’t support Matiang’i.
For Nyamira Governor Nyaribo , he is likely to rally behind Matiang’i to survive politically. After all,the former Cabinet Secretary hails from Nyamira.
Both Nyaribo and Arati to win their re-election back to the office, Matiang’i factor plays out.
I had a conversation with a driver who wanted his identity to remain anonymous. The driver from Nyamira County revealed that he never voted for the Kenya Kwanza presidential aspirant William Ruto but he is willing to cast his vote in favor of Fred Matiang’i.
jojash a resident of Bobasi constituency and a former United Democratic Alliance agent authoritatively says he won’t support the William Ruto if his fellow tribesman ( Matiang’i) will be on the ballot.
Kisii politics is taking shape and now that one of their own is running for the top seat in the country,there might be a political tension in the two south nyanza counties.
