Kenya 2012 general elections: Two aspirants for political seats Mr. Owino Ranginya from Nyanza and Mr. Malino Lesiamito from Samburu.

By Korir, Chief editor (API)

The New Constitution of Kenya has opened many opportunities for many Kenyans, both young and old. Those interested in Politics can now choose to contest for seats as national representatives or county representatives.

In the coming general elections next year, Kenyans will have the opportunity to elect representatives to the Senate and National Parliament (National politics) and in the county politics, the Governor, Deputy Governor and county parliament representatives. Many opportunities created by the new constitution.

 

This has caused young Kenyans to join both national and county politics. Two Kenyans in Oslo are ready to try their luck in Kenyan politics, come 2012 general elections. One of them Peter Owino Ranginya is in the final stages in his preparation for the onslaught, while John Malino Lesiamito from Samburu county is contemplating to contest for a seat, and will make known his decision at the end of September this year. Both men live in Norway at the moment, but say they are geared to capture political seats in Kenya.

 

Peter Owino Ranginya - 2012 Political aspirant in Kenya

Mr Peter Owino Ranginya who failed to capture a seat to become Ugenya Member of Parliament in Kenya’s 2007 general elections, has told API that he now knows what to do to avoid past mistakes that denied him victory.

Mr Ranginya will be trying his luck for the second time. The first time he tried to capture a seat, things did not go well for him. This time around, he is doing all he can to acquaint himself with important requirements demanded by the voters and because of the New Constitution creating many political positions both in the National Politics and County politics, Owino Ranginya will most definitely capture a seat. He has, however, not come out clearly when it comes to which seat he wants to capture. He continues to keep all the cards close to his chest. Reliable sources tell API that he is doing so in order not to cause discomfort for politicians of the day such as the Minister of Lands Mr James Orengo and others who hail from the area. However, this tactic will not last long because next year is election year and those who want seats have to ensure that the voters know what they want sooner rather than later.

The New Constitution demands that the elections are held the second Tuesday in August next year. Some Members of the present day Parliament would like to have elections in December 2012, arguing that the old constitution gives them the right to serve the country in their elected positions past august 2012..

While in Norway, Owino Ranginya has been engaged in development projects back home in Kenya in collaboration with his friends in Norway. This is an effort to strengthen his base before the election time. He tells API that he has done ground work and hopes to capture a seat at the National or County level depending on the chess-game to be played when those who declare interest come up with choices of the seats they want to contest.

Mr John Malino Lesiamito, 2012 Political aspirant in Kenya

John Malino Lesiamito’s hopes to become a full-time politician in Kenya after 2012 General Elections requires more ground work.

When it comes to John Malino Lesiamito from Samburu County, the road may still be a long one. He is still in the early stages having only indicated his interest to contest for a seat. So far he has not made specific moves to declare his candidacy publicly to the Samburu people. When API asked him for comment, Malino Lesiamito indicated that he was in a process of gauging the situation in the area and that he was definitely going for a seat, but could not identify which seat he is eying as yet. He tells API that he will declare his candidacy in the very near future. API is of the opinion that Mr Malino Lesiamito may be eying for a seat in the County Government. 

In Oslo - Norway: 2012 Kenya Political aspirants Mr Peter Owino Ranginya from Ugenya-Nyanza and John Malino Lesiamito from Samburu County discussing strategy for next year's general elections

Both men, Owino Ranginya and Malino Lesiamito are convinced that the New Constitution is a very good opening for the young people. They say the time has come for the younger generation to lead the country.

API wanted to know why the two men think the younger generation should take over leadership. The two are of the opinion that the older generation have done their part and should now give way to young vibrant leaders.

Ranginya and Lesiamito told API that “it is important for Kenya to have young leaders to spearhead development in a modern way. The older generation should not stick on to power for too long as they have done. That is not healthy for the country in the long.”

End.