Taifa Democratic Coalition has set out to consolidate unity in the larger Gusii region ahead of the next general elections.

Speaking at Manga town in Manga sub-county, Nyamira County, during a cultural event by Mwanyagetinge Council of Elders on Tuesday, People’s Democratic Party Leader Omingo Magara pointed out that the aspirations of the people should be anchored in their culture.

Two former senior government officers – retired Justice David Maraga and former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i – have expressed interest in the top seat that has excited voters in a region that commands roughly one million votes.

The region’s political ambitions towards 2027 should be identified and harmonised before it came out to seek support for one presidential candidate from others, he remarked.

According to Magara, the coalition was bent on ensuring it incorporated at least 50 MPs who would assist to instil respect as the region sought its rightful share of the national cake.

He emphasised the role members from the region who were in the diaspora played saying they should be enlisted to provide the much-needed votes in the impending polls.

Social Congress Party leader Atati Kengere advised the region to be decisive in settling on a single candidate for the presidency. He cautioned the youth to go slow on the issue lest they cause confusion to the embarrassment of the region.

Nominated MCA in Kisii County Assembly Lilian Gor attributed violence against women witnessed recently to a misconception about the position of the gender in the cultural set up. She condemned the violence claiming it was individual-driven.

Another Nominated MCA Grace Ongwae observed that there was an urgent need for the local community to go back to the drawing board and demonstrate fidelity to its culture.

Forgetting one’s own roots was the cause of some youths/children misbehaving and she called for imparting of the values pointing out that even the Bible was written based on a culture.

• A Tell Media / KNA reepot / By Jane Naitore