Osoro: Ruto's point man promises to 'change political narrative'

President William Ruto chats with National Assembly Majority Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro during a past event. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

To some, South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro cuts the figure of a youthful politician struggling to elbow his way into the murky Gusii and national politics.

He is among the young leaders whose political stars are rising as he markets the Kenya Kwanza in the National Assembly and Gusii region.

The MP was elected on a Kenya National Congress ticket in the 2017 polls and later retained the seat last year through the UDA party. He is now the Majority Chief Whip in the National Assembly and President Ruto's link man in Kisii.

His constant criticism of Kisii Governor Simba Arati has earned his support from those opposed to the county boss's leadership style.

Two weeks ago, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagau said they had identified Osoro as a promising leader who needed nurturing.

"He has remained steadfast. We are looking at him, and we will consider him in our future political engagements. As leaders in the Kenya Kwanza Government, we could wish to have this region remain behind in terms of development," he said.

Osoro has been assembling young Kisii MCAs in what he says is about changing the county's political narrative.

"We cannot offer poor leadership and blame others for our failures. We can have a roundtable dialogue on how to support our people and on how to achieve our development objectives once we begin to respect each other and agree to consult among all stakeholders," he said.

With Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu avoiding politics due to his portfolio, Osoro has been left to do much of the UDA politics in the region.

The MP believes that, with support and proper grassroots mobilisation, UDA will be a force in the region in 2027. "We are not in a competition with anyone. We are setting our standards. Like-minded individuals are free to join us."