As Kenya gears up for the 2027 general elections, Kisii leaders are stirring the political pot with a new agenda that could dramatically alter the country’s political landscape.
In the wake of the controversial ouster of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a united front of Kisii leaders is emerging, determined to carve out a more influential space for the community on the national stage.
This marks a bold move that could complicate the political fortunes of both President William Ruto and opposition leader-turned-ally Raila Odinga.
Kisii Community’s Search for Political Identity
For years, the Kisii community, despite its significant demographic and economic contribution, has been fragmented and largely sidelined in the national political conversation.
Despite boasting a population of over 2.7 million people, a robust diaspora presence, and a pivotal role in remittances, the community has often found itself relegated to the periphery in terms of political power.
Both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions have been accused of exploiting Kisii votes during election seasons, only to forget the community once the polls are over.
The 2023 impeachment of Gachagua highlighted this disconnect, as it became clear that the community’s interests were being sidelined due to a lack of political unity.
With Gachagua’s removal from office and his failure to secure a structured political vehicle to safeguard his interests, leaders from the Kisii community have seized the moment to push for institutionalized unity through a new political party.
A Unified Political Voice: The Push for a New Party
The call for a unified political structure has gained momentum, with leaders from all sides of the political divide recognizing that the community’s fragmentation has hindered its influence.
In a recent meeting that brought together MPs and community leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties, the conversation turned to the pressing need for a political party that could consolidate Kisii interests and increase its bargaining power within national politics.
According to Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, the Omogusii community is suffering because it lacks a regional political vehicle.
“As a community, we are preparing for our political vehicle, and come 2027, we shall speak in one voice,” Onyonka declared. This sentiment is echoed by former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara, who stressed that the community must come together to demand a larger share of national leadership, which has often bypassed them in favor of other regions.
Magara, once a key player in the Ford People party, has called for Kisii leaders to stop aligning with parties like ODM or UDA, which he believes only use the community’s votes for their own gain.
The impeachment of Gachagua, he argues, is a wake-up call for the community to unite before it is too late.
The Risks for Ruto and Raila
This new push for Kisii unity poses significant risks to both President William Ruto and Raila Odinga.
As political heavyweights in Kenya, both leaders have long relied on the Kisii vote to shore up their support in the Rift Valley and Nyanza regions.
However, if the Kisii community successfully institutionalizes its political power, it could shift the balance of power in the region.
For Ruto, the emergence of a united Kisii political front could be a headache. While the President has made inroads in the region, particularly with the support of Gachagua, the community’s growing political organization could challenge UDA’s dominance.
Gachagua’s failure to secure a strong political base is a stark reminder that without a united front, political loyalty is easily swayed.
On the other hand, Raila Odinga, whose ODM party has traditionally enjoyed strong support in Kisii, might also face backlash. Despite his alliance with Ruto in the formation of the broad-based government, Kisii leaders feel their loyalty to Raila has been taken for granted.
The absence of significant Cabinet positions for Kisii leaders in Raila’s Azimio camp further fuels dissatisfaction.
As a result, Kisii leaders are increasingly looking to forge their own path, either by creating a new political party or forming a coalition that amplifies their voice in national governance.
Kisii’s Political Renaissance: What Lies Ahead?
The call for a Kisii political vehicle is gaining traction, but the process is far from simple. Key leaders, such as Nyamira MP Joash Nyamoko, have acknowledged that unity is necessary, but it will take time. “Unlike other tribes that have regional kings, our community lacks a unifying figure,” Nyamoko pointed out.
This vacuum has allowed both major political parties—UDA and ODM—to exploit the Kisii vote without returning tangible political benefits.
The upcoming years will be crucial for Kisii leaders to consolidate their vision and build a platform that can secure their place at the national table.
Whether they choose to form a new party or unite existing ones, the underlying goal is clear: to ensure that the Kisii community is no longer sidelined in the political landscape of Kenya.
The potential political renaissance in Kisii could reshape the upcoming 2027 elections, offering voters a viable alternative to the status quo.
For Ruto and Raila, the united front from Kisii leaders is a development that they can no longer afford to ignore, as it could significantly affect their political fortunes.
