Another chapter of unity emerges ahead of Jubilee Party launch

Mr Joash Nyamoko, Secretary General of Jubilee Alliance Party in Nyamira County introduces Ms Jerusha Momanyi, the party's new Women leader from the region before party delegates and residents on 13/06/2016. The party made public its list of officials in the county. [PHOTO:STANLEY ONGWAE/STANDARD]

A new chapter of the Gusii Unity Caucus has emerged ahead of the launch of Jubilee Party at Kasarani tomorrow.

Nyamira Unity Caucus was officially announced on Wednesday following a successful meeting of key politicians from the region.

According to the founders, the caucus was formed to steer the Jubilee Party's agenda in the county.

The caucus, which is similar to the Kisii County Chapter of unity, was unveiled on Wednesday at a Nairobi hotel, in a bid to coincide with the launch of Jubilee Party tomorrow.

The group is mainly composed of politicians leaning towards the Jubilee coalition.

CORD nominee to the East Africa Legislative Assembly Joseph Kiangoi chaired the meeting, which was attended by among others Nyamira County Assembly Speaker Joash Nyamoko, three gubernatorial aspirants from the region: Walter Nyambati, Dennis Abincha and Charles Mochama, Kitutu Masaba MP aspirant Shadrack Mose and aspiring county MP Jerusha Momanyi.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i attended the meeting but his role could not be immediately established.

The caucus also elected officials who will be key in driving the formation towards its ultimate agenda, which will be underlined by working with the ruling Jubilee government ahead of the next general elections.

"We invited Dr Matiang'i and some other professionals to the meeting because our agenda was mainly founded on the need to find ways on how best to engage the government in promoting socio-economic development of our county," said Mr Nyamoko.

Elsewhere, two Jubilee-allied MPs in Kakamega have downplayed ODM leader Raila Odinga's visit to the county.

MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East) and Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo) said Raila will not get votes from the region.

Mr Washiali claimed that the tour will not change the decision of locals because, Raila had contributed to the woes facing the region.

"During his reign as Prime Minister there is nothing he did for the region. He should tell us what he did for the region in terms of development. Mumias Sugar Company almost collapsed," said Washiali.

Raila defended himself against claims of owing Mumias Sugar Company any money. He attributed the miller's woes to Jubilee, which he said had allowed contraband sugar in the Kenyan market.

"Mumias Sugar Company's woes are as a result of Jubilee. If ODM is voted in, we will streamline the sector to benefit cane farmers," Raila said.