The upcoming by-elections in Nyamira County have heightened political pressure and exposed deepening rifts among leaders.
As witnessed during the burial of Joas Mogeni at Gesiaga village in West Mugirango. The event, attended by key political figures including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i, former Minister Prof. Sam Ongeri, and Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, quickly turned into a political battleground.
With by-elections looming in Nyamaiya, Nyansiongo, and Ekerenyo wards, calls for unity and competition for influence dominated speeches at the funeral.
North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko struck a contentious tone when he publicly declared support for the UDA candidate in the Ekerenyo Ward race. Despite aligning himself with the ruling party, he emphasized that he was strongly advocating for Omogusii unity — a message that appeared intended to calm tensions.
But Dr. Matiang’i responded sharply, dismissing Nyamoko’s stance and urging Gusii leaders to instead rally behind UPA candidates in all the upcoming by-elections. Matiang’i accused the UDA machinery of using the campaigns to politically humiliate him and weaken the community’s bargaining power.
“These campaigns are not about development — they are about humiliation,” Matiang’i said, warning that divided loyalties would weaken Gusii political influence.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, whose relative was being laid to rest, echoed the call for unity and urged leaders to avoid politics of intimidation and betrayal.
As campaigns intensify, the Nyamira by-elections are fast becoming a test of political loyalty, regional unity, and the strength of emerging parties such as UPA in a region that has traditionally voted as a bloc. The outcomes are expected to shape political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections