Push to have Ongwae named as Gusii political kingpin intensifies

Kisii Governor James Ongwae addresses Marani residents in Kisii County, December 2021. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

No one has held the Gusii political kingpin position since Simeon Nyachae died. And now campaigns to have Kisii Governor James Ongwae ascend to the post are intensifying.

Mr Ongwae has taken a leading role in ODM party leader Raila Odinga’s countrywide tours and has been among the few second term governors who have not declared interest in any elective seat at the expiry of their term.

This has raised eyebrows on Ongwae’s next move seven months to the next elections. On Sunday, leaders who gathered at Tendere Grounds in Bomachoge Chache for the burial of Martha Kwamboka; mother to Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, called on Ongwae to take up the mantle and offer political leadership in the community.

Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri and Woman Rep Janet Ongera; Kenya National Congress party leader Manson Nyamweya and a host of MCAs at the burial said the community should not be left at the mercy of outsiders.

Ms Ongera urged the governor not to be shy to openly give his opinion on what the community should expect politically.

 “We need to sit as leaders and offer political leadership before we get to the next General Election. We appreciate the fact that Ongwae has served as governor for 10 years. This is enough experience for one to become a community spokesperson,” Ongera said.

She said there should never be infighting among Gusii leaders. “Let us all be ready to show maturity in our politics, come together, sit and agree on the way forward. Our people know who is capable of offering the right leadership.”

Prof Ongeri urged other leaders from the community to go slow in political chest-thumping, saying he had been in government and in politics for way too long and understood the community’s political dynamics. “We have Ongwae as our unifying factor. Our politics must have direction. Let’s respect those in power and those that have been given an opportunity to lead others,” Ongeri said.

Mr Nyamweya said he had supported Ongwae for 10 years. “He defeated me in the 2017 race and I immediately promised to support him in his work. He should continue to offer leadership even as he retires from the county seat,” he said.

Kisii Assembly Deputy Majority leader Risper Maseme said Ongwae should not leave a gap in the community, even as he plans to take up a national role. “The community needs proper direction. Nothing stops our leaders from coming together to chart the way forward. We are in agreement that the governor should take up the responsibility and rally together the community for the sake of unity,” Maseme said.

In response, Ongwae said he would give an enabling environment to all those who seek to succeed him. “Under normal circumstances, I could have endorsed a leader to take over from me. Let God’s will be done. I will give all the leaders the best environment,” he said, adding: “The main agenda, for now, is to ensure Raila ascends to power. This is the time to support a candidate from the Nyanza region.”

The governor said the Gusii Community was fairly solid behind Raila’s presidency. “We have never fought with our neighbours; the Luo community. Raila is a forgiving man. We are clear that we have a leader whose mind is visionary; this was the basis of the handshake.”

Ongwae, also Council of Governor’s vice-chairperson, has supported ODM years after retiring from civil service, which he joined as a District Officer.

He later served as Immigration Officer, Management Analyst, Director of Civil Service Reform Programme, PS/Director of Personnel Management in the Office of the President, Secretary for Teachers Service Commission and Agriculture PS.