By KPC Political Reporter
The Kenya Kwanza Alliance team in Kisii has embarked on renewed political strategies to win back lost support, particularly by ingratiating itself with the electorate.
In what appears to be a long-term political scheme to outmanoeuvre their opponents in a community increasingly leaning towards the opposition through its son, Dr Fred Matiang’i, President William Ruto’s political lieutenants in Kisii are working overtime to regain lost ground by lobbying for development projects.
Despite decommissioning Suneka Airstrip about two years ago, President Ruto has recently reversed his decision and ordered the resumption of construction works, a move that has turned the airstrip into a volatile political powder keg in the region.
Last week, engineers from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and officials led by Board Chairperson Caleb Kositany visited the site for an inspection mission.
The delegation was received by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who, through the broad-based government arrangement, has been drumming up support for President Ruto’s re-election.
President Ruto is also expected to visit the Gusii region in early February, with the revival of the Suneka Airstrip project being viewed as part of preparations ahead of his tour.
“Mr Kositany had promised to come back here. He has honoured that promise and returned with his entire team, including procurement officers and engineers. He has assured us that within three weeks, procurement will have begun,” Mr Arati told journalists.
He added: “We have also asked that before the President comes, the contractor be brought back to the site. The area MCA has pointed out that such projects often resurface near elections. We do not want this to become an election tool. Let it be completed.”
About two years ago, President Ruto halted construction of the airstrip and instead promised affordable housing, citing poor topography and what he described as an unconducive environment.
While attending an interdenominational thanksgiving service at Nyanturago Stadium in Kisii County in 2023, the President announced the decommissioning of the airstrip.
“I request leaders from Kisii and Nyamira to handle this matter urgently. I am decommissioning Suneka Airstrip to allow leaders to identify alternative land where the government can construct an airport,” he said.
The initial commissioning of the Suneka Airstrip was done before Dr Ruto assumed office as President. Residents of Bonchari donated the land on which the airstrip currently sits.
The decommissioning decision came despite appeals from local leaders to rehabilitate the facility to support cargo and passenger flights in the region.
About seven years ago, the airstrip underwent its first phase of upgrades worth Sh52 million, including the construction of a perimeter wall, parking area, administration block, and passenger lounge.
The government had earlier announced plans to expand the runway from 950 metres to one kilometre as part of a Sh132 million rehabilitation programme aimed at accommodating larger aircraft ahead of the August 2022 elections.
Meanwhile, former Orange Democratic Movement candidate for Bonchari constituency Jonah Ondieki, who defected to the President’s camp last month, has kept the airstrip issue alive.
Mr Ondieki has been seen alongside the President’s allies in Kisii and recently posted a lengthy statement on Facebook claiming that the government plans to compensate residents who had encroached on the airstrip to enable completion of the project.
Political analysts say that despite these efforts, President Ruto’s team faces an uphill task in convincing voters in Kisii generally, and Bonchari in particular, to support him over their son, Jubilee’s presidential candidate Dr Matiang’i, who commands significant backing in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
Some professionals from Bonchari have welcomed the President’s decision to rescind the earlier move and praised the Bonchari Citizens’ Council (BCC) for its persistent advocacy for the recommissioning of the airstrip.
In 2023, the professionals, operating under the BCC umbrella, expressed outrage over the President’s remarks, arguing they ran counter to sound public policy.
“We are pleased that the President has finally seen reason and reversed his decision to decommission the airstrip that was initiated many years ago,” said James Gwaro at Suneka.
Mr Gwaro added: “We especially commend BCC leaders for their courage in demanding that the President rescind his decision. This airstrip will be a major political issue and could be used to either reward or punish politicians depending on where they stand with wananchi.”
Residents expressed optimism that completing the airstrip would open up the region, boost business activity, and create employment opportunities.
The facility is also expected to offer faster air travel for residents travelling to and from Nairobi on urgent business.
“Instead of travelling via Kisumu, Homa Bay or Migori, our region will now enjoy direct and efficient air transport to and from Nairobi,” said Joseph Ontomu, a resident of Bokeire.
However, another resident cautioned politicians against exploiting the issue.
“We warn fence-sitters to keep off the airstrip debate because they did nothing when the matter required public action,” said Johnson Nyakoi of Bomorenda.