In a bid to strengthen political unity and influence within the Gusii community, veteran politician and Kisii Senator Richard Momoima Onyonka, together with West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka, have launched a campaign to unite Gusii leaders under a common agenda.
The leaders emphasize the need for the Gusii community to speak with one voice if they are to secure a powerful political position, possibly even the presidency, in the upcoming General Election. Senator Onyonka, son of the late Cabinet Minister Dr. Zachary Onyonka, voiced dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration, arguing that the Gusii people have not been given their due share in key government appointments.
He specifically called on the President to appoint a Cabinet Secretary from Nyamira County and a Permanent Secretary from Kisii County to work alongside Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
Speaking at the funeral of former Bonchari MP Zebedeo Opore in Nyamiobo, Onyonka urged Gusii leaders to unite, forgive past conflicts, respect one another, and rally under a single political umbrella. “If we want to vie for the presidency and have a chance at winning, we must stand together,” he stated, encouraging leaders from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to join the movement without fear of reprisals.
Former South Mugirango MP James Omingo Magara supported Onyonka’s sentiment, urging leaders to leverage Gusii-based parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA). He pointed out that communities with fewer MPs, such as the Luhya and Coastal communities represented by Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi in key parliamentary positions, have gained influence through unity.
Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri echoed Magara’s call for unity, noting that other communities have successfully used solidarity to negotiate government support for local development. She challenged senior Gusii leaders to come together for the betterment of the region, just as the late Opore did by mentoring young leaders and uniting the community.
MP Mogaka also invoked the legacy of the late Simeon Nyachae, former Cabinet Minister and Ford People Party founder, who successfully rallied the community behind him in the 2002 elections. Mogaka urged leaders to rekindle Nyachae’s spirit of unity, emphasizing that by working together, Gusii leaders can make a significant impact on the national stage.
Governor Simba Arati, the Deputy Party Leader of ODM, announced upcoming grassroots elections set for November 27 to further consolidate the party’s base in the region. He believes ODM remains a strong force that will form the next government after Ruto’s term ends. He praised Ruto for his role in supporting Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, a position that could enhance Kenya’s influence on the African stage.
Reflecting on recent political upheavals, Arati noted that Raila’s involvement was critical to maintaining stability after Gen Z protesters threatened to invade Parliament. According to Arati, if the protests had escalated to the State House, it could have led to military intervention, suspending the constitution and forcing a fresh election—an outcome Arati says would have been dangerous for Kenya’s democracy.
Former Bonchari MP Robert Pavel Oimeke criticized the current university funding model, arguing that it fails students from low-income families. He called on MPs to revise the model to provide better support to needy students, a step he believes will open up educational opportunities and reduce economic inequality.
With the Gusii community’s unity now in the spotlight, it remains to be seen whether this push for solidarity will influence national politics and position the Gusii people as key players in Kenya’s future leadership.
