Nakuru Town West politics: Arati, Arama and the ODM puzzle

If there’s one thing about Nakuru Town West, it’s that the political scene here never sleeps. The same MP, Samuel Arama, has represented the area since its creation, and whether you love him or not, his name always comes up in election conversations.

So, when the ODM Deputy Party Leader, Simba Arati, arrived in town unexpectedly, turning Kenyatta Avenue into an ocean of orange, the locals knew that something significant was about to happen.

For a moment, the city centre resembled a campaign event, there were chants, orange flags and motorbikes hooting, while Arati stood tall with a microphone, ready to fire up the crowd.

Then came the announcement.

"Samuel Arama will be returning to ODM," Arati announced, adding that anyone hoping to run for the Nakuru Town West seat under the party would have to compete with him in the nominations.

You could almost hear the record scratch. Faces in the crowd changed, whispers flew around and even some ODM hopefuls were left wondering what had just happened.

You see, Arama started his journey in ODM before switching to Jubilee, where he has since won the seat three times in a row. For many locals, the man’s strength has always been his connection to the people, rather than the colour of the party shirt he’s wearing.

Angira Janyakach, a familiar voice in Nakuru politics, says that Arati’s statement did not come out of nowhere. "Nakuru Town West was ODM's heartland back in the day. Even when Jubilee took over, ODM still had strong roots here. The gap between the two parties in the last election wasn’t big at all,” he says.

He believes this is why Arati has survived every wave. “People here don’t just vote for parties; they vote for familiar faces. Arama built his name here. You can’t deny that,” he says.

However, not everyone is convinced by Arama’s political homecoming. Hezron Okiki, one of the young hopefuls already campaigning under the ODM banner, says that the party ticket is not something that can be given away. “We heard what the Deputy Party Leader said, but I’m confident I’ll be the ODM candidate. Arama is still Jubilee that hasn’t changed,” he says.

When Mtaa Wangu reached out to Arama, he responded briefly and firmly: ‘Ignore those sentiments. I’m still in Jubilee and will seek re-election with the party,” he says.

However, if there’s one thing the people of Nakuru know, it’s that politics can change overnight. A handshake here, a new deal there, and the whole game can change overnight.

Angira says that’s what makes the Nakuru Town West race one to watch. "This constituency has always been politically charged. Every move counts. If ODM really wants to win, they’ll have to work hard because Jubilee still has a strong presence here, and Arama isn’t an easy man to beat.”

The posters aren’t up yet, but the talk is already loud and in Nakuru Town West, talk always means the campaign drums are never far away.