Ex-ODM Governor Deals Blow To Raila Ahead Of Nyanza Rally

Former Kisii governor James Ongwae has urged the Gusii community to ignore all those who want to derail the relationship with the current government and depict the community as rebellious, in what is an attack on the Azimio la Umoja coalition ahead of the Nyanza rally scheduled for Monday, February 13.

Speaking in Kisii county on Saturday, February 11, Ongwae, stated that the community is interested in development projects that will address the needs of more than 1.2 million people living within the diminishing land size.

Ongwae accused those planning orchestrated rallies across the country and wanting to do the same in the region.

"I urge you to reconsider your moves, accept that time for politicking is over, accept President William Ruto and give him an opportunity to fulfil his contract with Kenyans," he stated.

Kisii county former governor James Ongwae led other leaders during a press briefing on February 11, 2023. /VIRALTEAKE.ELIZABETH ANGIRA

Ongwae pleaded with the leaders not to accept any shenanigans that are meant to paint the community as rebellious and to disadvantage the region from receiving the much-planned development projects.

He further cited that the people spearheading the generation of tension and chaos have in the past organized and encouraged their troops and people to receive the president in their region in a very organized manner.

He further announced that they will welcome the president and condemn any attempt to cause uneasiness and whipping emotions in the people with the aim of imagining that they can derail the visit.

"The community is ready and fully warmed for William Ruto and no doubt any contrary attempt will not be tolerated," he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Offman Ondieki, Secretary, of Kisii County Contractors Association and Josphine Ombati, former nominated Member of the County Assembly, who mentioned that the community is more focused on development matters.

The briefing comes after several leaders allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in Kisii county protested against a rally planned by the Azimio la in Kisii county on Monday, February 13 and urged residents to shun it.

Led by former Kisii Deputy Governor, Joash Maangi, the leaders- UDA Members of Kisii county Assembly and losers said the rally, planned by the Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga is meant to create a wedge between the government and the local community.

He termed it ironic that the former Prime Minister is holding rallies in some parts of Kenya and has skipped south Nyanza counties- Kisumu, Homabay, Migori and Siaya.

Maangi added that the regional leaders will not allow leaders from other communities to incite the community against the government, stressing the community supports Ruto’s government to foster development in the county.

He attributed the handshake between retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila whereby South Nyanza region benefitted in development, adding, the community also wants to benefit from Ruto’s regime.

The former DG said leaders from the Gusii community are set to host President Ruto during the homecoming of Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, stressing Gusii leaders will not allow anybody to intimidate the leaders.

He lauded the president for appointing Machogu as CS and others from the Gusii community and urged him to appoint more, stressing residents of the community are behind him.

Maangi dismissed claims by former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’I that his home was invaded by security officers, saying it was meant to give him sympathy during Raila’s visit to Kisii.

Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday, September 9, 2022. /JAMES ONGWAE