No longer at ease: Gusii leaders signal shift in political alignments ahead of 2027 polls

With barely two years to the General Election, the political landscape in the Gusii region seems to be changing day by day.

The change appears to have been sparked by recent government appointments, as a section of Gusii leaders said they want more Cabinet and Principal Secretary positions.

They argued that whatever has been offered under President William Ruto's broad-based government is demeaning.

It started when Vincent Kemosi, former West Mugirango MP, rejected an ambassadorial appointment, while Millicent Omanga also rejected an appointment in the Nairobi Rivers Commission.

Leaders from the ruling party led by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro and UDA’s National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi took to social media expressing their disappointment with those rejecting the government appointments saying it portrays dissatisfied community in the eyes of presidency.

Another group of leaders led by Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo have come out guns blazing saying it is time they got due respect from both ODM and UDA during appointments.

“Imefika wakati lazima tuheshimiwe, hizo appointments kubwa kubwa pia tunahitaji, la sivyo tuende…nataka kuambia rais wa nchi sauti ya wakisii haisikikii…hizi mnatupea ni bonus,” said Arati.

Nyaribo, on his part, noted: “Tunasupport mtu akipita anatusahau, tukiwa na nyumba moja, lazima tuheshimiwe kama jamii…”

Last week, a meeting reportedly held in Karen, Nairobi, that was attended by a small group of Gusii leaders, reportedly narrowed down on former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i as their leader.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said: “Kama jamii ya Omogusii, tumeamua candidate yetu 2027 ni Fred Matiang’I; we shall take our own political path, we shall talk to Kalonzo, Gachagua, Uhuru and even Raila.”

North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko reiterated the remarks saying: “Tuliamua katika mkutano wa huko Nairobi kwamba tutasupport Matiangi.”

As the political rumble continues in the Gusii region, it not yet clear the political party the region will use as a vehicle ahead of 2027 polls.