By Elizabeth Angira
Worth Noting:
- Abagusii Council of elders Naftal Ombega said the endorsement of Matoke from his clan (Nyaribari) will be fully supported by everyone and welcome him to politics.
- He said the traditional rituals are done during the ceremony for nourishment and bless him as he starts the new political journey.
- Ombega said that Matoke is the first aspirant from Nyaribari Masaba who has shown interest in governorship.
- Currently, elders in this region are reaping big as the political class is going for endorsement and installation from them before joining the political journey.
Kenyan-USA ex- Military Charles Matoke has been installed by the Abagusii council of Elders to run for Kisii Gubernatorial seat in the August general elections to do away with clanism.
In Kisii County for one to be elected as leader, clanism plays a major role.
Matoke is among the ten aspirants who have shown interest to run for the gubernatorial position in the succession politics which has seen Governor James Ongwae sitting in the office for two terms since devolution.
Being his first time to get into politics, the ex-military officer 36years old said he wants to change the demographics of Kisii county politics and prove that if the youth are given space they will lead the county and at the same time change the mindset of the residents that only the top seat is reserved for people of age.
During the installation at Itibo Village Kisii County, Matoke said if given a chance he will take Kisii county to the greater heights by working on innovation projects.
“Have come to ask my people to give me the mantle to lead them, am ready to be your leader and serve you,” said Matoke.
He said that he consulted and the elders allowed them to pursue with his dream.
A section of residents said that Nyaribari has been sidelined in terms of development e.g. infrastructure
Abagusii Council of elders Naftal Ombega said the endorsement of Matoke from his clan (Nyaribari) will be fully supported by everyone and welcome him to politics.
He said the traditional rituals are done during the ceremony for nourishment and bless him as he starts the new political journey.
Ombega said that Matoke is the first aspirant from Nyaribari Masaba who has shown interest in governorship.
Currently, elders in this region are reaping big as the political class is going for endorsement and installation from them before joining the political journey.
However asked sitting political leaders not to impose leaders of their choice and force them to the electorates to vote for them but rather leave them to exercise their democratic rights.
This has been witnessed to many functions where the god father leaders are imposing their leaders of their choice to the public thus ending voting for wrong leader.
Matoke said that it is discouraging to the right minded voters who want to vote for visionary leader.
He cited that the same God father will end up dishing money to the voters influencing them to make bad decision.
He noted that for this country to prosper the leaders should leave voters to make their decision.
Those who are in the race are Manson Oyongo, Chris Obure, Simba Arati, Alfred Nyangweso, Prof Sam Ongeri, Rachael Otundo, Charles Matoke, Joash Maangi, Janet Ong’era, Patrick Lumumba among others.
The law stipulates that state officers and public officers must resign at least six months before the date of the General Election.
On February 3, President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered civil servants eying elective seats in the August polls to resign.
In Kisii County more than five officials resigned e.g Vincent Sawe, Kodek Migiro, , Duke Echate , Charles Onyancha among others.
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Elizabeth Angira is a trailblazing climate journalist whose work bridges science, policy, and human impact. As Senior Climate Reporter at The Mount Kenya Times, she leads in-depth coverage on climate resilience, energy innovation, and sustainability across East Africa and beyond. Her storytelling has earned international acclaim, including a third-place win for “The Best Energy Story in Foreign Media” by the Global Energy Association in Moscow.
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