Matiko Bohoko having a word with Cord leader Raila Odinga

Veteran journalist Matiko Bohoko has been endorsed by his populous Abakira clan to run for the Kuria West parliamentary seat in the August 8th General Election.

Mr Bohoko who narrowly lost to Mathias Robi in the 2013 General Election was coronated by his clan at the community’s shrine last Saturday where he was mandated to be the clans spokesperson and sole candidate to face the incumbent MP.

Abakira are the largest clan in the entire Kuria nation with a population of over 120,000 people.

They constitute the Kuria West constituency together with Abagumbe clan who numbers about 70,000 people.

In the last elections Mr Bohoko garnered 9,147 votes against Mr Robis 11,500 votes.

Two other candidates from Mr Bohoko’s clan, Mwita Nyangi and Jane Moronge shared the Abakira clan votes with Mr Nyangi getting 3000 votes and Mr Moronge 4000 votes respectively.

It’s against such a backdrop that Abakira have decided to endorse Mr Bohoko to run as a sole candidate against the incumbent.

Mr Bohoko will be contesting on an ODM ticket while the incumbent will be seeking re-election on a Jubilee ticket.

Mr Bohoko is a household name in Kuria West constituency and his popularity has been growing steadily given his outspoken nature and ability to defend and protect the rights of his people

He is articulate, eloquent and prides himself of his oratory power, command of language , both English and Kiswahili apart from his vernacular Kikuria.

Mr Bohoko is also the secretary to the Kuria select committee which negotiates and looks at the affairs of the Kuria nation in Migori County Government.

He will be getting into the race as the most favoured candidate given the waning political status of the incumbent.

Mr Robi will be remembered as among Mps who have not uttered a single word in Parliament since he was elected four years ago. He tops the list of those who have not contributed in parliament.