A political storm is brewing, and it all started with a simple photo. But this isn't just any photo; it's a snapshot of a potential power shift in the opposition circles.
The image in question features three newly elected MCAs from Nyamira, alongside prominent UDA leaders, taken in Nairobi on Tuesday. These MCAs, Jackson Mogusu, Jeremiah Ongaro, and Chris Osiemo, had just secured their victories in last week's by-elections.
The Real Story Behind the Photo
The MCAs, who are closely aligned with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, met with him in a Karen hotel for a debrief before heading to Lavington for a late lunch with Governor Amos Nyaribo.
But here's where it gets controversial. During this lunch, they were joined by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, National Assembly Majority Leader Sylvanus Osoro, and UDA Treasurer Japhet Nyakundi. It was during this gathering that the photo was taken, allegedly as a symbol of goodwill after a tough campaign where UDA put up a fight in Matiang'i's backyard.
The picture includes the two MPs, two governors, and the MCAs, along with Nyamira CEC Jones Omwenga.
Earlier, Governor Arati had invited Matiang'i's allies, including Nyamira Senator Okong'o Omogeni and several MPs, to a meeting in his private office. However, the meeting didn't materialize as most leaders were either in Parliament or out of town.
The photo went viral after some UDA leaders claimed the MCAs had joined the broad-based government. Dennis Itumbi, in a Facebook post, stated, "The two newly elected MCAs in Nyamira were, in fact, broad-based candidates. UPA is fully aligned with the broad-based setup, and Governor Nyaribo praised them for delivering a broad-based triumph."
But UPA National Chairman Nyambega Gisesa, who was present during the photo but didn't pose, denied that the meeting was about his party joining the broad-based government. He claimed it was a courtesy meeting with the newly elected MCAs, followed by a lunch.
MPs Nyakundi and Osoro joined briefly, greeted everyone, and then a group photo was taken as a friendly gesture, conceding defeat in the recent election.
On Wednesday, Nyaribo's personal assistant, Woody Mokua, clarified that the photo and lunch were mere gestures of goodwill after the election and should not be misinterpreted as a political realignment.
Nyaribo's team emphasized that neither the Governor nor the MCAs had joined any 'broad-based arrangement' or political coalition. They firmly refuted claims suggesting a switch in political allegiance, stating that any such coalition would be formally negotiated and legally binding.
So, is this just a friendly photo, or does it signify a significant political shift? What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
