This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
On Thursday, July 1, 2021, ODM leader Raila Odinga hosted a lunch meeting with Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and Kisii governor James Ongwae in a bid to resolve their differences.
The meeting, attended by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and other Gusii community leaders, aimed to put aside post-Bonchari election tensions and unite the region for the betterment of its people.
During the by-elections, ODM's Pavel Oimeke emerged victorious, garnering 9,049 votes, while Jubilee's Zebedeo Opore secured 7,279 votes.
The Bonchari by-elections had been seen as a face-off between Ongwae (ODM) and Matiang'i (Jubilee), who had campaigned for their respective candidates.
Reports had indicated that Matiang'i was testing the waters for his perceived 2022 Presidential aspirations, with a section of Gusii leaders calling for the region to be a unified front for the upcoming elections.
As part of this effort, Matiang'i was reportedly being considered as the region's spokesperson, with Kisii senator Sam Ongeri stating, "The next phase in the Matiang'i coronation process is to try to bring on board MPs and MCAs from the region."
Steven Menge, a member of the Gusii council of elders, reiterated Ongeri's sentiments, saying, "We have requested him (Matiang'i) to accept the proposal and have him elevated to a Gusii elder and main spokesperson."
