COUNTY POLITICS: Acid test for Bungoma Woman Representative as 12 aspirants seek to unseat her
Former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Barasa is among 12 aspirants who have lined up to take on Bungoma Woman Representative Reginalda Wanyonyi.
Most of the aspirants are already criss-crossing the county selling their manifestos to potential voters.
The Woman Representative was elected on a New Ford Kenya ticket which wound up to form the ruling Jubilee Party late last year.
Dr Wanyonyi has been on the forefront championing girls’ education and economic emancipation for women through the affirmative action fund.
“I have constructed classes and dormitories in a majority of the schools, I have also dealt with women groups by funding their activities. All I can say is, I have played my part and the voters will judge me by these,” she said.
She will have to square it out at the Jubilee Party nominations with Ms Maria Nato and Ms Anna Nandako.
Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers gender secretary Catherine Wambilyanga and nominated MCA Nancy Kibaba both of Ford-Kenya party have also thrown their hats in the ring.
Ms Wambilyanga, who emerged second in the last General Election, has promised a bruising fight.
“If I win in the nominations, I will automatically beat other contestants to unseat the incumbent. She has failed women and all the Bungoma County residents. I am the saviour, vote for me,” she said.
Ms Kibaba banks on her youthfulness to clinch the Ford-K ticket.
She has been involved in community empowerment through provision of sanitary pads and desks to schools.
'THE WINNER'
“I’m optimistic I will (defeat) Ms Wambilyanga and emerge the winner in the nominations. If I win, I will have to face the incumbent at the ballot. I’m banking on your support so that I can represent you people in the assembly. Once there you will enjoy every bit of it,” she told supporters.
Others in the race are Ms Beatrice Kituyi, lawyer Antonina Muyoka, former county Gender chief officer Consolata Wakwabubi, Ms Hellen Nafula, businesswoman Jackline Nasimiyu and Ms Sween Nyongesa.
Ms Kellan Wavomba of Amani National Congress said she was well placed to send the incumbent home owing to the fact that “she had failed to deliver since she was elected”.
If elected, she said, she will empower the vulnerable women who have been “exploited by the incumbent and made them miserable”.
A former Bungoma South Kenya National Union of Teachers gender representative, Ms Wavomba said if given a chance, she will introduce a majority of women to micro-enterprises to empower them economically.
“Of course I won’t forget men and youths because we are elected across board. The affirmative fund will play its role especially on bursaries and construction of classrooms and dormitories in schools,” she said.
Ms Nato banks on her education and skills to clinch the Woman Representative seat. Ms Nato, who is married to Bishop James Murunga, manages 209 orphaned and vulnerable children.
She attended Turbo Girls and Namwela High Schools.
She holds a certificate in theological studies, and peace and conflict resolution studies.
“I hold a diploma in international travel, tourism and hospitality, women leadership and empowerment skills. I also have a bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship and marketing studies,” she said.
