Eyes on Magara as duel between Raila and Ruto takes shape

By Beauttah Omanga and Oscar Obonyo

Trade Assistant Minister Omingo Magara may well be the political pawn in the next battle in ODM and Government.

Trade Assistant Minister Omingo Magara. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

MPs allied to Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, have reportedly agreed to support Magara. The MP also enjoys support from ODM colleagues allied to Agriculture Minister William Ruto.

But there is a catch. The ODM National Treasurer must severe links with the Prime Minister Raila Odinga-led party to persuade Kanu and ODM-Kenya not to field candidates against him.

If Magara gives in to the offer, which The Standard on Sunday has established came up during a meeting of central Kenya MPs in Mombasa on Friday, then an exciting political battle will be on card, next year.

Ideally, it may not be a contest pitting Magara against petitioner Manson Nyamweya and other candidates, but rather a battle of Raila versus the Uhuru-Kalonzo-Ruto axis, with an eye on 2012 General Election.

Internal competition

Equally, MPs from Kisii allied to different parties, including the rival PNU, are reportedly meeting on Tuesday to settle on Magara as their candidate for the South Mugirango seat.

Mid this year, the PNU forces failed to reclaim the Bomachoge seat held by former Assistant Minister Joel Onyancha following internal competition and poor co-ordination by local leaders led by Education Minister Sam Ongeri.

Now Magara has given the anti-ODM and anti-PM forces an opportunity for political revenge. South Mugirango may also prove the turning point for Ruto, who is said to be charting a new political path.

As proof that ODM’s victory in Bomachoge, which borders South Mugirango, was not a fluke, the PM is bound to put up a spirited fight to retain the seat.

"We are going to win in South Mugirango. The constituents gave ODM an MP and we are sure they will still vote for the party candidate come a by-election," said Public Works Minister Chris Obure.

Also speaking in support of Magara is the People’s Democratic Party Chairman Steve Nyarangi: "As a party, we are ready to offer Magara a ticket. We are confident he has leadership potential".

While addressing a meeting in his South Mugirango constituency during the Bomachoge by-election campaigns, Magara paraded Nyarangi and other party officials and declared it was a party to watch. Ruto, who led scores of party MPs who skipped Raila’s rally in Bomachoge, attended the function at Nduru.

At the time of registration, one of PDP’s top officials was Magara’s personal aide. He has since been replaced.

While Raila’s trips to Kisii have been irregular, courtesy of his busy schedule, Ruto has presided over numerous functions there. The trips may have earned him some admirers who might be counted on in case Magara is denied a direct nomination by the party. But Raila still enjoys massive support in Kisii.

The other crucial player is former Cabinet Minister and political kingpin of Gusiiland, Simeon Nyachae.

Thorny issue

Another thorny issue that confronts Magara is the apparent political differences within his family. The family was divided in the last elections, following a decision by some to support the Assistant Minister’s sister, Carren Nyamoita Magara.

Even though Carren faired poorly against the elder brother, it raised doubt about Magara’s leadership.

Nullification of Magara’s election could widen rifts or heal ODM, but it depends on whether ODM grants him a direct nomination to defend his seat. It would also depend on whether the PM and Ruto support him or if he abandons ODM.

If Raila and Ruto do not agree on Magara as their common candidate for the South Mugirango seat, then a split in the party is almost certain.

 

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