This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Ruto's Shift in Strategy: Targeting MCAs in the Gusii Region ¶
William Ruto's campaign for the Gusii region vote has taken a new turn, with the Deputy President now targeting Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Kisii and Nyamira counties.
According to sources, Ruto's team has been engaging with MCAs from the two counties, offering them 'goodies' and networking opportunities in a bid to secure their votes.
This move is seen as a strategic shift by Ruto, who has been facing stiff competition from Raila Odinga for the Gusii region vote.
Governors James Ongwae and John Nyagarama, who are serving their second and last terms in office, have been backing Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i for the presidency, but Ruto's move is seen as an attempt to outmaneuver them.
Maangi, the Deputy Governor of Nyamira, has declared his interest in succeeding his boss in 2022 and has already won the support of seven out of the nine MPs from the county and 41 out of 45 elected MCAs from ten Kisii county assembly.
Maangi's strength lies in his ability to predict the outcome of polls, having correctly predicted the outcome of the 2017 elections.
He has also been a vocal critic of the referendum, which most leaders opposed, but is now seen as a champion of the Omogusii people.
While Maangi's popularity is on the rise, Ruto's move to target MCAs is seen as a calculated risk, as the electorate in the Gusii region is known to be fiercely loyal to their leaders.
Only time will tell if Ruto's strategy will pay off, but one thing is certain - the battle for the Gusii region vote is heating up.
