Towards the 2013 elections, Kisii politicians allied to ODM shared out political power among various interest groups, as a catalyst to unite the community.
The negotiated democracy saw seats distributed evenly among the six clans within the county, with Kitutu Chache producing the governor, Bobasi the senator, Bonchari women representative, Bomachoge deputy running mate, Nyaribari speaker and South Mugirango county secretary.
James Ongwae won the governor’s seat; deputy governor position went to Joash Maangi, Chris Obure became senator, Mary Otara the women representative’s seat while the speaker’s seat went to Kerosi Ondieki from Nyaribari.
However, South Mugirango residents felt shortchanged as they were not given the county secretary position. The position is held by Johnstone Ndege, who was forwarded to Kisii by the Transitional Authority. And as the country approaches the next elections, some critics argue the power sharing formula can no longer be trusted, and view the move as undemocratic.
“We are going to 2017 where people are saying let us not go for the negotiated settlement in terms of democracy but go for the votes and allow people to decide, then a number of leaders will go home,” says political analyst and lawyer Danstan Omari.
Omari says each clan could want to get their own in the ballot paper to fight for county seats. “Bobasi has decided to field Senator Obure to challenge Governor Ongwae from Kitutu. South Mugirango will field their current MP Manson Nyamweya and Omingo Magara. This is clear indication that nobody could want to negotiate for the county seats,” says Omari.
Already, nominated Senator Janet Ongera who is also part of the deal is warming up for an elective seat. She is rumoured to contest the county woman member of Parliament seat, which is currently held by ODM’s Sally Otara.
“In 2017 the electorate will vote for their leaders based on merit, credibility and accountability,” Ms Obure says.
Mr Magara downplays the clan factor and argues that there is a scapegoat in terms of the county government’s performance. “Before we go to clan politics let us talk about service delivery,” says the former MP.
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