12/02/07
By Charles Nyangwara, Delaware, USA.
Bobasi constituency was founded in 1987 when the then Majoge/Bassi constituency was divided into two; Bomachoge and Bobasi. Chris Obure, the immediate former MP for the larger Majoge/Bassi, went in as the first MP for Bobasi through the infamous Mlolongo elections of 1988, where he was declared the winner after purportedly garnering above 70% of the votes. These were the days when Kenya was under a single party system, KANU, baba na mama, and the dictatorial Nyayo Era of former president Moi.
In 1992, Obure was technically barred from freely campaigning in the constituency as youths at that time ganged up together to make sure he did not rig again. Ababasi were determined to elect anybody, irrespective of what he was, as long as they got rid of Obure.This is how Mr. Stephen Manoti got elected. Mr. Manoti tried to perform but had his own personal limitations that never allowed him to serve the constituency to desirable levels. In 1997, Obure apologized to Ababasi and pleaded for forgiveness and Ababasi went ahead to elect him as their MP again. Soon after being elected, he again started alienating the people who elected him and resumed his arrogance. In 2002 Mr. Manoti, having positioned himself with Nyachae, took advantage of the FORD PEOPLE wave that swept through Gusiiland and was easily elected. Obure was again sent packing.
This time round again Obure, through the aid of his mistress rigged ODM party nominations, and has therefore positioned himself for the December general elections, hoping to capitalize on the popularity of ODM and its wave that is taking shape in Bobasi. Observers have keenly noted that ODM Party nominations were vulnerable to his schemes and machinations which may not necessarily determine the outcome in December 27th general elections. Ababasi are keen this time round and they will pick a personality and not a party as Obure and his cronies are thinking.
Both Obure and Manoti have totally neglected and negated education in Bobasi and the education standards have gone down completely. For Obure, he believes that when his constituents get a good education, they become more knowledgeable and thus pose a danger to his political future. Therefore, by not supporting education, in a way, he is checking competition in his political endeavors. On Manotis side, he believes people do not necessarily need education to succeed, having attained the privilege of serving as MP for Bobasi with little education. He does not support education improvement projects and he has totally become a aloof to this critical issue.
Both Obure and Manoti are contracted by Nyamache Tea Factory to transport green tea and fertilizers to and from the Port of Mombasa. The question that is wanting here is why should MPs do business with their constituents? Arent they supposed to be the eyes of their constituents? The tea industry is collapsing in Bobasi because of corruption that has been perpetrated by the very people who are supposed to represent them, people who are supposed to objectively protect the interests of farmers. They influence and fund the election of factory directors to safeguard their interests. Surprisingly, some of these directors are semi-illiterates, who cannot effectively dispense their mandated duties. The Directors, instead of representing peoples interests, represent the business interests of Manoti and Obure.
Employment of teachers at the district level has not been left free by Mr. Manoti. It is known that he ever colludes with the local education officials and bribes them to have his friends and cronies employed. Moreover, Mr. Manoti rarely or even never participates in national politics and forums, which has reduced Bobasi to an unknown entity in national debates. Ababasi should be felt in national politics and debates and should be involved in shaping the future of Kenya.
These and other issues not mentioned here are critical and need to be addressed urgently. The people of Bobasi need honorable, honest and dedicated leaders to serve them as MPs. Consequently, change is necessary in Bobasi in this years election. For this change to be meaningful, it is important that the aspiring candidates clearly spell out their visions and their agenda to the electorate. They should be issue-oriented and propagators of policies that address the present ills afflicting the constituency. Finally, the voters need to make a wise decision that will unite the people of Bobasi once more by rejecting the divisive, outdated politics of former MPs, Manoti and Obure. Bobasi needs a new, visionary, thoughtful, and honest MP today, not tomorrow.
Very thoughtful and accurate acount of the short history of Bobasi Constituency and it’s donation by the two boys.