Devolution is the greatest gift of the 2010 Constitution. It has taken services closer to wananchi and improved lives across the country. But in Vihiga, this noble system is under threat—not from lack of resources, but from retrogressive clan politics being repackaged as entitlement.
A dangerous narrative is emerging: that “it is time for a Maragoli governor.” This is primitive, divisive, and an insult to the intelligence of the people of Vihiga. It bears the fingerprints of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and his allies.
Vihiga’s destiny lies not in clan identity, but in the collective strength of its people~
Osotsi’s Unity Message
Senator Godfrey Osotsi has shown what real leadership under devolution looks like. He has executed his oversight role with zeal, lobbied tirelessly for resources, and consistently preached the message of one indivisible Vihiga.
He recognizes Maragolis, Tirikis and Banyores as the dominant communities, but he also acknowledges the Luos, Kisiis, Kalenjins, Somalis, Tereks and others who proudly call Vihiga home. His is the message we must amplify.
“Vihiga is one county—its future cannot be mortgaged to clans.”
History Rejects Clan Politics
Vihiga voters have never rewarded clan entitlement.
In 2013, Governor Moses Akaranga, a Maragoli, led the county without Nyores or Tirikis demanding “their turn.”
Mudavadi himself sponsored Prof. Amayi, a Nyore, in 2013, and Hon. Yusuf Chanzu, also a Maragoli, in 2017. Both were rejected at the ballot.
Instead, voters chose Governor Wilber Ottichilo, a Banyore, twice—most recently in 2022 when he defeated Akaranga and Alfred Agoi, despite Agoi enjoying Mudavadi’s backing.
“The people of Vihiga vote for competence, not clan.”
The Andimi Project is Misguided
It is baffling to see handlers of the Prime Cabinet Secretary now rallying behind Kahi Indimuli as the so-called “Andimi project.” His record at Chavakali High School is questionable, and his candidacy must be judged on its own merits—not sold to us as a Maragoli entitlement.
Those pushing this agenda must answer tough questions:
If Mudavadi is “third in command,” what tangible resources has he brought to Vihiga?
Why cry about clan turn-taking when the governor’s residence, county assembly, referral hospital, security offices—and indeed more than 60% of county jobs—are already in Maragoli land?
What projects has he personally lobbied for his community in Vihiga?
On Other County Seats
Critics of Speaker Omulele must remember he did not vote himself in. His election was the product of a political deal involving ANC and ODM MCAs under Mudavadi’s direction. Similarly, Senator Osotsi and Woman Rep Adagala were elected fairly on competence and have delivered.
Vihiga Must Rise Above Petty Politics
Devolution was never about appeasing clans. It was about empowering citizens and ensuring equitable service delivery. Clan politics will only drag us backwards.
As we head towards the 2027 general elections, I call upon all Vihigans to reject the “Andimi politics” and every other divisive narrative. Let us instead entrust leadership to those with the vision, ability and integrity to take Vihiga forward.
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CPA Robert Kiberenge Jnr – Financial Consultant, Political Commentator & Human Rights Activist
