03/12/2025
Detailed report on how UDA treasurer and Kitutu Chache North MP hon JAPHETH NYAKUNDI messed up the three Nyamira by-elections; Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo, and Nyansiongo wards.
1. INTERFERENCE BY FOREIGN LEADERS AND SIDELINING LOCAL LEADERS
Foreign interference by Kisii County leaders led by Japheth Nyakundi was one of the greatest factors that led to the downfall of UDA in Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya wards. Hon Nyakundi did not want local leaders especially MPs and MCAs to take charge of the campaigns, and he underfunded them. Given that he is the party’s treasurer, local leaders had to bow down and beg for money from him. Consequently, they were demoralized since they felt they were no longer in control. Instead of giving them the funds and allowing them to engage locals, Japheth dominated everything and dealt with locals directly. That did not augur well with Abananchi, who felt they were dealing with strangers rather than their leaders. People felt like local professionals like directors and other government appointees should’ve been funded well and left to take control of the campaigns since they know locals well. Japheth was a stranger to them.
2. USE OF CHOPPERS DURING CAMPAIGNS. The use of choppers in an MCA by-election was a big blunder since locals deemed it opulent and madharau. In a by-election involving an MCA seat, you need to interact with Wananchi directly, since it is the most grassroots seat. Door-to-door and one-on-one interaction with voters yields better results.
3. THE IMPEACHMENT MOTION AGAINST GOVERNOR NYARIBO as sponsored by Japheth Nyakundi
The impeachment motion against Nyamira Governor Nyaribo, sponsored by UDA treasurer Japheth Nyakundi. Here is why, Governor Nyaribo is Omogirango, and Abagirango were not impressed with Japheth because he masterminded and sponsored the downfall of their topmost son in the county. It was, therefore, weird for the person who had fired their son to come to them and ask for their vote. Some sources say Japheth was doing it so that he can later purport to save him from the impeachment and look good. Long story short, he was creating a problem and provide a solution to it.
4. EMBEZZLEMENT OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS BY THE TREASURER
Embezzlement of campaign funds played a primary role, leading to the loss of the three by-elections in Nyamira. During campaigns, each ward was allocated Sh3m every day. The money was to be spent on campaigns. The funds were made available to the treasurer, but they did not reach the people on the ground. Some UDA officials, like hon Osoro, boycotted the campaigns because Japheth wanted to work alone so that he could control the funds. They, however, joined the war in the dying minutes after what is believed to be an order from above. By the time Hon Osoro joined, it was too late since the damage had already occurred. Many leaders were heard saying Japheth is greedy and selfish when money is involved.
5. LACK OF CORDINATION AMONG BROADBASED MEMBERS
There was no coordination among broad-based parties. Instead of ODM AND UDA agreeing to field a single candidate to face the United Opposition, they both fielded candidates. We saw Kisii Governor Simba Arati campaigning for ODM candidates.
6. UDA OFFICIALS WERE FORCED TO FUND THEMSELVES DESPITE THE AVAILABILITY OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS
UDA officials and government officials from the area were not funded during the campaigns. They were forced to dig deep and fuel their vehicles. As a result, they were lackadaisical during the entire exercise.
