Headache for ODM: Arati Accuses Bosire of ‘Poisoning’ Nyamira Politics

By TWV Political Desk

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a major dilemma in selecting candidates for three ward by-elections in Nyamira County, amid a fierce supremacy battle between Kisii Governor Simba Arati, one of the party’s deputy leaders, and National Treasurer Timothy Bosire.

The rivalry nearly turned physical during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on 18 September, where the two clashed bitterly, leaving the party unable to decide whether to issue direct nominations or hold primaries. ODM has historically dominated both Kisii and Nyamira counties. However, Bosire lost his bid for governor in the 2022 General Election to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)’s Amos Nyaribo, who had previously served as deputy to the late Governor John Obiero Nyagarama. Nyaribo secured 82,090 votes, defeating his closest challenger, former MP Walter Nyambati, who garnered 49,280.

In the presidential race, ODM leader Raila Odinga won convincingly in Nyamira, securing 104,477 votes (61.20%) against President William Ruto’s 63,645. Now, Governor Nyaribo, also the UPA leader, has declared that his party will field candidates in the 27 November mini-polls in Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo, and Nyansiongo wards. He has urged the community to rally behind UPA, a party increasingly associated with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i. This presents an additional headache for ODM, as Matiang’i is seen as a potential opposition kingpin.

Although Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has repeatedly insisted that Matiang’i remains his party’s preferred candidate for future elections, it is widely believed he will use UPA as a political vehicle, especially in broader negotiations to forge a united opposition front. Matiang’i, originally from South Mugirango in Kisii but now a resident of Borabu in Nyamira, is therefore expected to lean on UPA as his base.

“We will ensure UPA wins in the by-elections, not only to support Matiang’i but also to teach both Raila and Ruto a lesson for taking our community’s support for granted,” said Evans Okemwa, a Nyansiongo resident, in an interview with The Weekly Vision. The mini-polls are further complicated by the fact that Arati openly backed Matiang’i when he left his World Bank position in Washington, DC to join the presidential race. This has left many ODM loyalists confused.

During Matiang’i’s homecoming rally in Kisii town in May, Arati declared: “Hon Matiang’i, these people have not been paid even a cent to be here. I beseech you, my brother Fred Matiang’i, to reach out beyond Gusii, visit Nyanza, Rift Valley, Coast, Northeastern, Nairobi, and speak with leaders across the country to ensure our community sits at the table of national leadership.”

Bosire, on the other hand, is keen to reassert his influence in Nyamira as he prepares for another gubernatorial run. Insiders say he remains disgruntled with Raila after being overlooked in recent political appointments when ODM joined Ruto’s Cabinet in a power-sharing deal following last year’s Gen Z protests.

Those appointed included deputy party leaders Hassan Joho (Mining and Maritime Affairs) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Co-operatives and MSMEs Development), chairman John Mbadi (National Treasury and Planning), and National Assembly Minority Leader and Political Affairs Secretary Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum). Beatrice Askul Moe, a member of the ODM Elections Board, was later named CS for East African Community Affairs and Regional Development. Salim Mvurya, initially appointed as CS for Investments, Trade and Industry, was subsequently moved to Sports, Youth Affairs and Creative Arts.

Bosire reportedly rejected an offer to chair the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), claiming he had not been consulted. Those close to him say he is now considering quitting ODM altogether, citing frustrations with Raila’s rapprochement with Ruto to stave off a regime collapse during the Gen Z revolt. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna was at the forefront of defending the deal.