Malava in spotlight as Kakamega Woman Rep contest draws new power players

The race to replace Kakamega County Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda is already heating up, with just months to the 2027 General Election.

More than five individuals have so far declared interest in the seat in the country’s second-largest county after Nairobi.

The aspirants are crisscrossing the county in search of votes and working to endear themselves to the electorate ahead of the contest.

Kenya Ports Authority Director Dr Connie Lusweti and former Kakamega nominated Member of County Assembly Jackline Okanya have openly declared their intention to replace Muhanda, who has set her sights on the gubernatorial position currently held by Governor Fernandes Barasa.

Barasa is serving his first term in office after being elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

Muhanda was instrumental in Barasa’s campaign, but their relationship reportedly deteriorated after he assumed office, and the two are now said to be at odds.

Other aspirants eyeing the woman representative seat include Anne Osotsi, Helen Kumbuti, and Winnie Asiko.

Kakamega County has twelve sub-counties divided into two regions: the North and the South.

The northern region comprises Likuyani, Lugari, Malava, Shinyalu, Lurambi, and Navakholo, while the southern region includes Ikolomani, Khwisero, Butere, Mumias West, Mumias East, and Matungu constituencies.

Since the inception of devolution, the three top county positions — senator, governor, and woman representative — have largely been held by leaders from the southern region in turns.

The position of deputy governor, which is often viewed as less powerful, has been used to balance regional interests by drawing support from the North.

Professor Philip Kutima deputised former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya for ten years, while former Lugari MP Ayub Savula currently serves as deputy to Governor Barasa in their first term.

With Muhanda now eyeing the governor’s seat, voters from the northern region are increasingly demanding that the woman representative position be filled by one of their own.

However, those who have already expressed interest from the region are seen by some as weak contenders.

Malava is among the sub-counties with the highest number of registered voters, with figures from 2022 placing the number at nearly 94,000.

Many argue that the next woman representative should not only come from the northern region but specifically from Malava Constituency.

The name of Leah Shisia Khasandi, a gender adviser in the governor’s office, has been widely mentioned in this regard.

Having joined the county leadership as a chief officer after Barasa ascended to power, Khasandi is viewed as having built a strong network across the county, giving her a head start should she choose to run.

It remains unclear whether she has political ambitions or will heed calls to join the race for the woman representative seat.

However, should she make a move, many believe it would significantly boost Malava’s and the northern region’s chances, as her prospects of winning are considered high.