Clans differ over Governor Nyong'o's nominees to board

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o during a past interview. [File, Standard]

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s nominees to the Public Service Board have rekindled political rivalry between Kano and Nyakach clans.

Yesterday, former Nyando MP Clerkson Otieno led a section of area elders in a charm offensive of their Nyakach counterparts who have opposed Prof Nyong’o’s list.

The nominees are retired teacher Charles Babu Karan for board chair, and Jacinta Kapiyo, Stephen Orot, Edward Kochung, Nashon Otieno and Jane Oyare as board members.

The governor last week forwarded the list to the County Assembly for approval, with the vetting slotted for April 2 and 3.

The positions fell vacant after the pioneer board chaired by Naashon Oguya was bundled out of office by Nyong’o's administration last year. The chairman’s position has sparked controversy, with Nyakach and Kano clans scrambling to have their own head the board.

Nyakach elders and professionals have opposed the nomination of Karan from Nyando in Kano, claiming that the seat was reserved for former Nyakach MP Peter Odoyo.

Former Nyando MP Otieno yesterday claimed that the recent utterances against Karan’s appointment are akin to Nyakach clan waging war against neighbouring Kano.

“These are positions that people get through merit. People applied and did interviews and it happened that Karan managed to be the best,” he said.

Otieno said Karan’s track record favoured his appointment, coupled with the need to have regional balance in Nyong’o’s government.

Odoyo however dismissed Mr Otieno, saying Nyakach’s preference to have him in the board does not translate to hate for Kano. He admitted that Nyakach people were not happy with Nyong’o due to unfulfilled promises.