By Anderson Ojwang
Last Sunday, the political banter between Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and his rival, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, converged at Awendo Stadium to cheer and support the local football club, Migori Youth Football Club.
The temporary unity and peace delivered the crown to the sugar belt, with each leader claiming contributions to the success.
They say success has many fathers while failure is an orphan scorned by many. So it was with Migori Youth Football Team’s success.
But the victory was not short of theatrics and comedy, as after the game, the two leaders retreated to their usual nickname banters.
The theatrics and comedy over nicknames in Migori county politics form part of the comic relief during public engagement by local leaders.
“Oyundi” is a small bird known for its laziness but often appears where success and food have been laid on the table, while “Chiwawa” is the domestic pet dog known for making noise but can never bite.
In Migori county, the political theatrics and banters between Governor Dr Ochilo Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita have often created comic relief for the electorate and reached fever pitch.
Nyamita has nicknamed Ayacko “Oyundi” in reference to his traits and capped it with another one, “Grandson of Sinakuru Lubanga ma Dogman,” while Ayacko in retaliation refers to Nyamita as “Othuogo” because of his height.
Last Sunday at Migori Stadium, Chiwawa and Oyundi converged to cheers as Migori Youth Football Club played their defining game against Equity Football Club.
Ayacko, for the first time, came to the stadium to be part of history making, while Nyamita, the patron, was also present to be part of history.
Migori FC, which last season survived relegation, rewrote their story to be crowned National Super League champions.
Ayacko promised the team that before the kick-off of the new season, the construction of Migori Stadium would be complete to host the home games.
Sources also told Western Insight that Ayacko was even proposing the possibility of the county government sponsoring the team.
But Nyamita has gone ahead to open the team to a new class of engagement by flying the team to Nairobi and Embu for their final game.
Chiwawa scored the first one over Oyundi by ensuring that for the first time, the team enjoyed a flight to Nairobi, opening a new chapter in their dispensation.
Nyamita wrote: “A decade ago, Migori Youth Talent Academy was a bold vision recognised nationally through the Chairman’s Award. Today, that vision stands as a testament to what is possible when purpose, commitment, and community come together.”
Nyamita said ten years later, countless lives have been transformed through football and education, talents have been nurtured, and opportunities have been created for young people across their county. Now, Migori Youth FC have been crowned National Super League Champions and await official coronation in Embu following their final fixture against 3K FC.
“As Patron, I sincerely thank our Director, technical bench, players, management, supporters, and the entire Migori County community for believing in this journey. This promotion is not only a victory for the club but a big milestone for Migori County, one that will enhance our sporting profile and contribute to economic growth. From humble beginnings to the national stage, our journey continues. The best is yet to come.”
Migori Youth Football Club wrote: “The team has departed for Nairobi aboard Fly Skyward Express ahead of our final match of the season against 3K FC. A special thank you to our patron Hon. Mark Nyamita for his unwavering commitment to the team. A team that works hard together, stays united together, and prays together will always find a way to win together. Earlier on, the second lot departed from Kabunde Airstrip. Calm, focused, and ready for the task ahead.”
Nyamita wrote: “From Migori to Embu, the champions fly. A special thank you to Fly Skyward Express for getting us closer to our moment of glory. The crown awaits. Shortly after landing, the team was picked by one of the finest ‘Nganyas’ on the land, courtesy of George Kimutai, owner and founder of 82 Sports.”
But Ayacko capped it, saying: “In Central Kanyamkago ward alone, from where Chiwawa hails, we have implemented 52 visible tangible development projects in 3 financial years. Tiyo koso ok ti?”
From the political theatrics, the grandson of Sinakuru Kukulabanga, alias Oyundi, Governor Ochilo Ayacko, and his rival for the gubernatorial seat, Othuogo, alias Chiwawa, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, are lacing Migori politics ahead of next year’s elections.
