Major boost as Dr Inyangala endorsed for Kakamega governor

As the 2027 general election draws near, political realignment continues to take shape in Kakamega County as residents of Upper Kakamega County pledge their support for one of their own.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education, Dr Beatrice Inyangala, has continued to gain popularity through her give-back-to-the-community initiatives that have seen her popularity skyrocket across the county.

Dr Inyangala, who has been fronted by voters as their preferred candidate, received a major boost when she met less fortunate locals from Malava and its environs to celebrate Labour Day, where she donated foodstuffs and bedding as a way of cementing her commitment and willingness not only to serve but also to uplift the livelihoods of vulnerable families.

The Principal Secretary, who at one time was the running mate for the gubernatorial position in the last general election, has been pinpointed as the Upper Kakamega gubernatorial aspirant, considering that the region has not had a single candidate vying for the position despite being the largest and having a significant number of voters compared to the lower region.

The idea of her contesting the seat against the current governor, Fernandes Barasa, was hatched after residents of the upper region complained of marginalisation in county development over the last 15 years and called for their own representation.

At the same time, ongoing political bickering between the governor and his biggest critic, Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, who is also eyeing the seat, has escalated, with Upper Kakamega residents distancing themselves from the wrangles and instead focusing on supporting a more sober, service-oriented leader in Dr Inyangala.

Speaking to the press after receiving donations, locals expressed their full support, saying they have long been neglected despite numerous appeals to the county leadership.

They described the moment as a reprieve, saying God had answered their prayers through the PS.

The residents pledged to marshal votes and support to ensure the region produces the next governor, noting that previous governors have come from the lower region.

They argued that it was time for Kakamega North to ascend to county leadership, citing their numerical strength.

They praised Dr Inyangala’s development track record, saying her leadership would accelerate development and curb corruption in the county.

Dr Inyangala, while acknowledging the endorsement, said Kakamega residents are in dire need of fresh leadership and pledged to transform the county.

“I have traversed the county, and everywhere there is a public outcry over poor and skewed leadership. It needs fixing, and you have said I am the one to do it. I have heeded your call, and together we must begin by voting wisely,” she said.

She called on voters to intensify grassroots voter registration efforts, especially targeting new voters.

Dr Inyangala said she is ready to serve the people of Kakamega County with the respect and decorum they deserve.