Senator Chris Obure called upon to lead Kisii community

 

 

Nyabari Chache MP Richard Tongi (left) Kisii Senator Chris Obure (centre) and Kisii Governor James Ongwae addressing the press at a past function. PHOTO: FILE

KISII: A section of political leaders from Kisii County have asked  area Senator Chris Obure to take   to role  the community's  spokesman  and  help them make political choices a head of the  2017 general elections.

Obure is currently the oldest elected politician from Gusii region having been elected as a member of parliament in 1988. Since then, Obure has never lost any single election.

A number of leaders under the umbrella of Gusii Unity have come together even as some political pundits begin to question the group's motive. The leaders are drawn from the entire political divide in Kisii.

Last week, while presiding over the Nyamache Secondary education day, Dr Fred Matiang’i, the Education Cabinet Secretary called on Obure to take the mantle and guide the community.

"Senator Obure is the community's oldest politician and we must give him time to guide us as a community. We must have a common ground on what to do,” said Matiang'i.

In their first public gathering in Kisii on Monday after several meetings in Nairobi, the leaders seemed to speak from a common ground in what seems like a calculated move to front Senator Obure for Kisii County Chief seat.

Among the leaders in the Nyamache meeting were Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, MPs Joel Onyancha, Zebedeo Opore, Richard Onyonka Jimmy Angwenyi and Stephen Monati.

Also present in the Nyamache meeting meeting was former CIC chairman Charles Nyachae who flew to Kisii together with CS Matiang'i.

The leaders supported Matiang'i's sentiments saying they are ready to remain united for the good of the community.

"We have set the train moving and nothing is going to stop us from achieving our objective. Those criticising us should tell us what they want to be done differently," said Onyonka.

In the meeting the leaders castigated the opposition for using threats as a way of solving governance issues.

"Let's not expect our children to behaviour differently when we are throwing stones and abusing each other in the public. We have failed to be good role models to our children,” said Nyachae.

The group will hold their first major rally at Otamba area in Nyaribari Chache on 8th of July to continue with their unity calls.

Area MP and group coordinator Richard Tongi will host the leaders under the leadership of Senator Obure.

High Court Lawyer, Ogamba Migosi said that the community needs somebody who can unite them for the purposes of social and economic development.

"We are concerned of the slow pace of development in the region. The only way forward is to speak in one voice and have a proper plan on how to develop our Agricultural, education and road network sectors," said Migosi.