Rift Valley moves to claim a piece of Bomachoge

By Kenan Miruka

A new political wind is blowing in Kisii. It is from the neighbouring Rift Valley Province and locals are excited but cautious.

As the clock ticks away to the August 27 by-election, questions are being raised over the role of some MPs and politicians from Rift Valley combing ridges of Bomachoge constituency in search of votes.

The heightened activities are being linked to two political heavy weights from the expansive province — Agriculture Minister William Ruto and former powerful Minister MP Nicholas Biwott.

Observers say there could be a hidden hand of Ruto in the last-minute defection of former area MP Zephania Nyangwara from Orange Democratic Movement to the United Democratic Movement (UDM). ODM deputy party leader, Ruto, was a UDM founder member.

Biwott, on the other hand, is viewed as the force behind the candidature of former Kenyatta University lecturer Zaddock Ogutu. The National Vision Party, which is associated with Biwott, has nominated Ogutu.

Nyang’wara joined UDM citing unsubstantiated frustrations in ODM. But he denies a claim Ruto is sponsoring him.

Those privy to Nyangwara’s decision say he wanted direct nomination from ODM and when nothing was forthcoming, he resorted to UDM that acceded to his demand.

Courtesy of the Nyang’wara and Ogutu candidatures, now local politicians believe Rift Valley politicians could be having a lot of interest in the Abagusii politics, as alliances shift ahead of the 2012 General Election.

Ruto, former Agriculture Minister Kipruto arap Kirwa, and Kaddu Chairman, Cyrus Jirongo founded the UDM in the 1990s.

Politicians from the Rift Valley are perceived to be eyeing Kisiiland as a plan B in the event ODM and other mainstream parties fail to address their interests.