By GPC News Desk
Journalist James Gichana, popularly known as Omoiberania, has returned from a tour of the United States and announced plans to seek the Nyamira Senate seat in the 2027 General Election.
The Egesa FM scribe said he had visited more than six US states, where he met Kenyans, particularly people from Nyamira, to discuss the county’s political and economic future.
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According to Gichana, the people he met were calling for a change in leadership and stronger systems of service delivery.
“They have decided to change leadership. They want systems that work,” Gichana told his supporters who received him at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
He said his experience in the US had reinforced his belief that functional public systems could transform the lives of Kenyans, pointing to roads, hospitals and education as areas where Kenya could draw lessons from America.
Gichana said agriculture would be at the centre of his proposed development agenda for Nyamira, particularly the revival of the coffee and tea sectors.
“Let us revive coffee and tea. There is a market out there,” he said, referring to opportunities he said exist in the US for Kenyan agricultural products.
He blamed the struggles facing farmers on poor leadership and the role of middlemen, arguing that producers should have stronger links to international markets.
“We will export our products direct to overseas markets,” he said.
Gichana also announced plans to establish the Omoiberania Scholarship Programme, saying he had held discussions with American schools about educational opportunities for Kenyan children.
“We will manage to take our children to America,” he said, adding that the initiative would seek to expand opportunities for students from Nyamira and beyond.
His declaration comes as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nyamira is currently represented in the Senate by Erick Okong’o Mogeni of ODM, and it is unclear if he will defend the seat or switch gears to the gubernatorial race as previously claimed.
On national politics, Gichana welcomed recent changes in Jubilee Party, particularly the elevation of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to the party leadership.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over Jubilee leadership to Dr Matiang’i in September, while retaining membership and a senior advisory role in the party.
Gichana thanked Kenyatta for allowing Dr Matiang’i to take charge, while appearing to caution politicians who may be seeking to maintain links with competing political formations.
He appeared to target some leaders particularly from the Gusii region who previously vigorously supported Dr Matiang’i but have gradually slowed pace as they warm up to Linda Mwananchi leader and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
“Those playing double should choose where to belong,” Gichana said.
He noted that his broader ambition was to contribute to improving the lives of Kenyans, promising to pursue what he described as the change Nyamira and the country need.
