On August 9, Kisii County will witness a fierce battle for the Nyaribari Chache parliamentary seat, with ZaheerJhanda, a seasoned businessman, leading the charge. In 2017, Jhanda narrowly lost to Richard Nyagaka Tongi of the Jubilee Party, garnering 11,710 votes against Tongi's 14,410.
Undeterred by his previous loss, Jhanda is now vying on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, a move that has sparked interest in the community. As a politician with deep pockets and a huge following, Jhanda is determined to break the ethnic and clan politics that have long dominated the Abagusii community.
With a philanthropic reputation and a history of attracting large crowds in his rallies, Jhanda is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the region. His supporters describe him as a calculating individual who is always ready to invest in the community, as long as he is assured of their support.
One of Jhanda's key promises is to alleviate poverty in the region. He believes that local leaders need to discuss this matter and put in place programmes to address the issue. Jhanda also plans to improve healthcare, roads, and school infrastructure, citing the need to prioritize development over personal gain.
As a businessman, Jhanda has a diverse portfolio, including an entertainment company, pool tables, and a hardware business. He has also operated a petrol station and won a tender to be the sole supplier of sugar from Sony Sugar Company. Jhanda's entry into politics in 2012 marked the beginning of his journey to the Nyaribari Chache parliamentary seat.
With a strong backing from Deputy President William Ruto's UDA party, Jhanda is confident that he will emerge victorious in the August polls. His campaign has been marked by a mix of philanthropy and politics, with Jhanda using his resources to support the community while also promoting his party's agenda.
As the people of Nyaribari Chache prepare to cast their votes, Jhanda's message of breaking clan politics and promoting development is resonating with many. Whether he will succeed in his bid remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – ZaheerJhanda is a force to be reckoned with in Kisii County.
