SENIOR politicians from Kisii and Nyamira counties are shying away from declaring their interest in county seats. Out of the 10 MPs only Kitutu Chache MP and assistant minister for Foreign Affairs Richard Onyonka has declared his interest for the Kisii County governor’s seat. Other politicians including Public Works Minister Chris Obure, his education counterpart Sam Ongeri and former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara have adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

Supporters of Prof Ongeri recently erected a huge banner in Kisii town supporting the Nyaribari Masaba MP for the seat of senator. “It will be hard for any single man to campaign across the seven constituencies. People will agree and PNU/ODM may both field separate candidates for seats,” says Obure.

Contacted, Magara said: “Any slot is possible including the top job. We shall nominate and support one of us for the top job why do you want to confine me. The team will come up with their line up soon.” Those likely to face Onyonka for the seat of governor are former permanent secretary James Ongwae, Eng Gideon Moreka, a top KNUT official Geoffrey Mogire and former managing trustee of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Naftali Mogere.

However, Ongwae, Mogire and Mogere have not declared their candidature. “I’m humbled that people are mentioning my name as their possible governor. As for now I’m keen on the Kitutu Chache seat,” said Ongwae. Mogere who contested the Bobasi seat in 2007 has not ruled out going for the seat but is not keen to declare his interest.

It will be tragic to elect people with track records to positions especially governors, says Mogere. Mogere adds: “Voters should keenly look at the track record of candidates for governor’s seats because for a county to develop, we need somebody with a proven track record.” “We need people with strong credentials and reform minded to steer the counties,” Mogere observes. “I had a strong urge from my supporters who have pleaded with me to become the governor of Kisii and thus am heading their call,” the assistant minister said.

The first time Kitutu Chache legislator is a son of former area MP and minister for Foreign Affairs the late Dr. Zachary Onyonka, who was one of the most influential politicians from the region in the 1980s and 90s. Onyonka says he believes that he has what it takes to run a successful campaign and transform the leadership of the county.

Kisii County is the fifth largest county in terms of population coming behind Nairobi, Kiambu, Kakamega and Bungoma in that order. “I am not scared of how big the county is, what is more important is that people, and especially the young generation are committed to my cause,” he said in a recent interview with the Star.

The youthful MP says he will be soon launching his official campaign to announce his blue print for the development of the agricultural county. He has been meeting various stakeholders from the county both in Nairobi and his rural home to strategise on how to capture the seat. Onyonka said he had assembled a campaign team led by two university dons and other professionals but could not disclose their identities saying it’s too early.

Women have also failed to show interest in the big seats with the name of ODM executive Director Janet Ong’era’s name has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the senator’s post. However, Ong’era too has not publicly come out. “I will declare the seat that I will contest when the right time comes. I’m happy that people have seen potential in me,” she told the Star in a recent interview.

In Nyamira County, former cabinet minister and Ford People chairman Henry Obwocha is the only senior politician who has declared his interest for the senator’s post alongside Nairobi lawyer Mong’are Okong’o. Okong’o has hit the road running and has been traversing the county distributing books to schools has been his entry point.

Through the Mong’are Bw’Okong’o Foundation he has distributed books worth millions of shillings to primary and secondary schools. “County positions are not meant to recycle leaders. The youth should stamp their authority and contest seats. Losers in parliamentary seats should just go and retire,” he said in reference to his opponent Obwocha.

Obwocha will be banking on his experience and name to win the seat. He has been in the game since 1992 and his name is house-hold in the county. His oratory skills will also come in handy during campaigns. The governor’s seat has so far attracted several candidates US based Fred Machana, George Nyaribo, lawyer Job Nyasimi, Engineer Makori Bikundo, University don Kennedy Osoro and Mochama Onsongo an educationist.

Machana who unsuccessfully sought the Kitutu Masaba seat in 2007 says he has the necessary experience to be governor of Nyamira. “I have worked in the county system in the US having held several financial management positions. This gives me the necessary experience to steer the county to greater heights,” says Machana who is currently doing his PHN in Strategic Management. Nyaribo wants locals not to accept politicians for the governor’s seat.

The name of the defunct Kenya Anti Corruption Commission Advisory Board Okong’o Omogeni has also been mentioned by he denied. “I’m not interested in any elective post. I urge residents of Nyamira to elect candidates of integrity,” he told the Star. Former nominated MP Catherine Nyamato and the first woman mayor, Claire Omanga are contesting the women’s representative’s seat.

Nyamira County has three constituencies of North Mugirango/Borabu, Kitutu Masaba and West Mugirango. North Mugirango is represented in parliament by Wilfred Ombui while James Gesami is MP for West Mugirango. Kitutu Masaba constituents will go to the polls on Monday to elect their MP after former area MP Walter Nyambati’s election was nullified by the high court.