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With Governor Otichilo doing his second and last term as Vihiga governor, the race to have an able and competent replacement is in top gear.
So many names are being thrown up and about some laced with tribal intonations which is quite shameful. Anybody aspiring to lead this great county should address himself to issues affecting our county as opposed to branding that ugly tribal card.
For the past two electoral circles Vihigans entrusted the county leadership to the current governor Hon Otichilo. The basis for his re election was solely to allow him implement his vision for the county. Unfortunately this is yet to happen as Vihiga languishes in abject poverty, indicisions and or poor decisions from the governors administration. It baffles many people to see Vihiga in such a sorry state despite the fact that during his tenure as MP for Emuhaya, he had an impeccable record. His inability to replicate the same as Vihiga governor still baffles many.
Kahi Indimuli a rare gem ready for the daunting task of transforming Vihiga.
The emergence of Kahi Indimuli by way of declaring his intentions to vie for Vihiga governorship is such good news. The news breathed a new sense of hope across all the 5 subcounties thanks to Indimulis long standing career as an educationist who has touched many souls not only in Vihiga but across the nation.
During his time as Chavakali High school principal, Indimuli prioritized education by helping students from poor backgrounds to access education under his leadership. If those who benefitted from Indimulis kindness were to line up from Chavakali to Kisumu, the cue would be very long and interesting with who is who in the society making up the cue.
“Kahi Indimuli is solely the reason why Iam who Iam today. When I joined Chavakali boys, I did not even have shoes but he looked at my grades and the hunger for education in me and directed that I be admitted as he ensured that whatever I needed was supplied by himself. I owe everything to Kahi Indish and If there is anything I can do to help in his gubernatorial bid, I will do it whole heartedly.” Ken Shivachi Hamisi.
Even after leaving Chavakali boys he went to Machakos boys highschool and continued his legacy of helping the less fortunate to access education.His zeal for excellence made teachers across the country to elect him as head of Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KSSHA). This elevation placed him at a strategic position to help change and improve the education standards in our country.
Indimuli is likeable and easily accessible….
Those who have worked under or with Indimuli have always spoken highly of him.
A teacher who served under him at the Chavakali boys Highschool describe him as a listening leader who wanted to see the best in everyone.
“Kahi was such a good leader, he always encouraged us to be innovative and aim higher, as we served under him we were never afraid to try something new for the betterment of our school and students. That is why Chavakali excelled both in academics and in extra curriculum activities” former teacher Chavakali.
Indimuli the sports man.
With a sharp eye for talent, Indimuli never stopped at seeing Chavakali boys Excel in both spots ànd academics. Under his guidance Chavakali had one of the most feared soccer and rugby teams in Kenya. As a forward looking leader, Kahi was so disturbed seeing some well nurtured talents go to waste. Some of the great talents that passed in his hands includes Duncan Otieno who later captained Ingwe and later joined Zesco United of Zambia besides featuring for the national team Harambee stars.
This player and many others who later made it into professional ranks never made Indimuli comfortable and happy, he wanted to help establish a Vihiga based soccer outfit that would compete both nationally and internationally. Kahi Indimuli was at the fore of crafting Vihiga United and ensuring it’s promotion to the top flight foitball-KPL.
The idea of having a Vihiga United team in KPL was well received with former governor Hon Akaranga assuming the role of club patron. It is sad that the current leadership watched as the team slid back to the NPL championship. This was only after Indimuli moved to Machakos boys. Despite all this, Indimuli has never showed signs of tiredness in his quest of ensuring youths and sports agenda is well professed.
A united Vihiga is all that Kahi stands for.
Mwalimu Kahi as he is fondly referred to by parents and former students is an epitome of unity. This trait was highlighted during his tenure at Chavakali and in the composition of Vihiga United FC. The soccer team had the best players drawn from all the 5 sub counties of Vihiga and beyond. This speaks volume about the ethos that are dear to his heart. Indimuli has worked his way up to the point of becoming president KSSHA a feat that makes him a national leader who can easily deliver to Vihigans should he assume the role of governorship.
Indimuli is a democrat. I. Africa it is not easy to hand over power with a smile. Mwalimu demonstrated his democratic credentials when he stepped down as KSSHA chairman a fete that not many can do. During his term COVID 19 struck and it was incumbent upon him to work closely with the education ministry to craft a good calender for schools to fit the demands of the pandemic. Kahi delivered.
As he retired, officials paid a glowing tribute to the emotional Kahi, whose voice trembled with emotions as tears flowed down his cheeks.
Kessha vice chairman Boniface Karisa said in Africa it is not easy for someone to stand for others the way Kahi has stood for colleague principals and teachers, and especially hand over power with a smile on their face.
“Indimuli has mentored me. I have enjoyed working with him as his vice chair. God bless you Bwana Indimuli as we appreciate your efforts,” he said.
2027 is beconing, when the right time comes Vihigans should consider giving a chance to this industrious son of Vihiga Mwalimu Kahi Indimuli.
George Manono is a social commentator and a teacher from Hamisi ~Vihiga.
