Clan politics: Tom Ojienda's entry into Senate race causing jitters
Senior Counsel Prof Tom Ojienda follows past proceedings at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- Prof Ojienda is banking on his endorsement by Nyakach Council of Elders.
- The former President of the Law Society of Kenya will be hoping to run on an ODM ticket.
The entry of Senior Counsel Tom Ojienda into the political scene in Kisumu has brought a new twist to the county’s clan arithmetic ahead of nest year's General Election.
In attempting to craft a formidable team ahead of the polls, aspirants for the three top positions are keen on ensuring the seats are fairly spread in the seven constituencies of the lakeside county.
And now with the entry of Prof Ojienda, who hails from Nyakach, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o could be forced to go back to the drawing board to pick a running mate for his second and last term in office.
In the run-up to the 2017 General Election, Prof Nyong’o, who hails from Seme, picked Dr Mathews Owili from Nyakach as his deputy.
On the other hand, Senator Fred Outa represented the larger Kano clan residing in Nyando, Muhoroni and Kisumu East constituency while Kisumu West constituency had Rosa Buyu for Woman Representative’s position.
The four major clans in Kisumu County are Kano, Seme, Nyakach and Kisumo while the constituencies include Nyakach, Nyando, Muhoroni, Kisumu East, Kisumu Central, Kisumu West and Seme.
Kisumu's first Governor Jack Ranguma hailed from Kano while his deputy, Ruth Odinga, is from Bondo, Siaya County. Nyakach clan missed out on the four elective positions of governor, senator, woman representative and deputy governor.
Senator Outa who closely worked with Governor Nyong’o during the 2017 campaigns has however accused the county chief of targeting and sidelining the people from Kano despite overwhelmingly voting for him.
Mr Outa has already declared his candidature in the gubernatorial race and trounce vowed to trounce Prof Nyong’o.
In the Senate contest, Prof Ojienda is banking on his endorsement by Nyakach Council of Elders. He has promised to turn around the county's fortunes.
"As one of the most experienced lawyers in the country and a person who has immensely contributed in the constitution-making process, I believe it is now time for me to extend my services to the residents of Kisumu,” Prof Ojienda said.
The former President of the Law Society of Kenya will be hoping to run on an ODM ticket.
“I am a life member of the party and I have been involved in a lot of activities behind the scenes,” he said.
Prof Ojienda has however said he will only be part of a lineup after the party nominations.
“I am currently concentrating my effort to clinching the ODM party ticket but will pair up with other ODM candidates to ensure we deliver all seats to the party,” he said.
