Will Ndhiwa poll change politics in region?

By James Omoro

Campaigns for Ndhiwa by-election have reached the climax as every political party struggles to ensure its candidate becomes the next area Member of Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta toured the constituency to marshal support for his party candidate Rosemary Rumo. Contrary to the expectations of many people, Uhuru got a warm welcome just right from Kisumu where he alighted.

Again, in Ndhiwa, Uhuru’s arrival brought businesses to standstill as locals shoved each other to listen to the DPM. The warm reception signified a paradigm shift in Nyanza politics.

Former South Nyanza County Council Chairman Akech Chieng’ described the move as a sign of democracy the community is developing. He said Luos were known before for throwing stones at any politician who was opposed to Prime Minster Raila Odinga.

Locals told The Standard On Sunday that the Deputy premier’s visit was likely to inspire the constituents of Ndhiwa to embrace multiparty politics.

Eggs in one basket

The comments came after Uhuru had told those who attended his rallies the consequences of depending on one political party.

“Time has come when you should avoid keeping all your eggs in one basket. Similarly, if you live at a place where there is only one basket, the business person might decide to sell their goods at any price of choice,” he challenged.

The campaigns also attracted Kanu National Chairman Gideon Moi who hinted that the party might join ODM in the next General Election if Tom Alila was elected MP for Ndhiwa.  The comments, analysts say, were meant to give Alila political advantage. On the other hand, ODM’s Neto Oyugi is also expected to get more political boost from a tour by PM Odinga this weekend.

ODM Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o had a task convincing nomination losers who had rebelled to support Neto. With the by-election slated for tomorrow, analysts argue that the political direction in Ndhiwa is going to be determined by the ODM nomination losers who have been divided in their support for Neto and Alila.

Those who support Neto argue that they believe in reconciliation after the nomination, which was alleged to have been fraudulent.