At least 17 women are eying gubernatorial seats next year’s general election, setting the stage for a shakeup in the male-dominated political scene.
In the last two elections – in 2013 and 2017 – since the advent of devolved governments, men have dominated.
But in the August 9, 2022, poll, more women are flexing their political muscle for tough contests.
In 2013, no woman was elected governor. A few had been picked for running-mate positions, as in Kericho, Narok and Makueni.
However, in the 2017 general election, the country witnessed history as three women county bosses were elected, heralding a political breakthrough in the patriarchal society.
Long-serving politician and former presidential candidate Charity Ngilu was elected governor of Kitui county after she defeated former county boss Julius Malombe, the Wiper party candidate.
In Kalenjin land, the home turf of Deputy President William Ruto, former Sotik MP and Deputy Speaker in the National Assembly Joyce Laboso (now deceased) roared to victory in Bomet. She defeated heavyweight Isaac Rutto.
In Central Kenya, Anne Waiguru who had just resigned as the Devolution Cabinet Secretary, dethroned Joseph Ndathi in the Jubilee stronghold of Kirinyaga.
Gender affairs expert Jenifer Gacheri said the country has “opened up and has embraced women as capable leaders just as their male counterparts”.
Speaking to the Star in a phone interview, Gacheri said, however, women were still facing both cultural and financial challenges in trying to venture into politics.
“While as a country we have made steps towards a rather equitable society, there are still challenges here and there that there is need for concerted effort to overcome,” she noted.
She added, “Women need financial support and an inclusive society and this should start with political parties by ensuring that women are given equal opportunities, from nomination and campaign funding. A ticket for a woman is having one leg in leadership.”
Eleven months to the general election, a look at the political landscape shows women who are raring to plunge into do-or-die battles. The coveted governors’ seats control billions of shillings in the 47 counties.
In Kilifi county, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa is raising the bar as she seeks to succeed her par higher as she seeks to succeed outgoing Governor Amason Kingi.
The outspoken politician, a confidant of DP Ruto, served as the county’s woman representative. She will run on Ruto’s United Democratic Movement, UDM, ticket.
Jumwa, once a close ally of ODM boss Raila Odinga, will do battle with Chief Administrative Secretary Gideon Mung’aro who is expected to fly the ODM flag.
In Kwale county, Deputy Governor Fatuma Achani will be seeking to take the reins of power from her boss Salim, Mvurya.
Mvurya has already endorsed Achani, likely to run on the UDA ticket.
Mvurya and Achani were first elected on the ODM ticket on 2013 before switching to Jubilee in 2017. They have remained a tight team.
In North Kilifi and Kwale, Ruto is reported to be talking to rival groups eying the UDA ticket to agree on a line-up.
Former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru has announced she will be running for Nairobi governor.
In fact, the bishop at Jesus is Alive Ministries is expected to run on the UDA ticket, intended for the aborted by-election in the capital in January this year.
She is expected to face off against Deputy Governor Anne Kananu, among others.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Wangui Ngirici has declared she will seek to dethrone her friend-turned-foe Waiguru on the UDA ticket.
Veteran politician and former presidential candidate Martha Karua is also expected to run again for the position.
In the neigbouring Embu, Nominated MP Cecily Mabarire will be trying her luck a second time to succeed outgoing Governor Martin Wambora.
In the 2017 Jubilee primaries, Mbarire, the former Runyenjes MP and now a close confidant of the DP, came second with 41,987 votes, against 60,549 votes for Wambora.
Mbarire is eying the UDA ticket.
Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege is also flexing her muscle to succeed outgoing Governor Mwangi Wa Iria.
It is not clear if she will fly the ticket of the limping Jubilee Party or decamp to one of the many parties in Mt Kenya region.
She has been a strong supporter of the President, though there is talk she might move to DP Ruto’s camp.
Chege is an influential county politician, enjoying grassroots support mainly from youths and women.
Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau and her Narok counterpart Soipan Tuya are expected to make their first stab at the governors’ seats.
Gitau, a close ally of the DP who successfully led the UDA campaigns in Rurii ward, wants to dethrone Governor Francis Kimemia.
Tuya, a second-term woman rep, wants to succeed outgoing Governor Samuel Tunai.
In Kericho county, deputy governor Lily Ng’ok has started her campaigns to succeed her boss, Governor Paul Chepkwony who is serving his second and last term.
In Ruto’s home county of Uasin Gishu, Nairobi executive for devolution Vesca Kangogo has declared she will be in the race to succeed Governor Jackson Mandago.
Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika will be flying the UDA flag as she seek to dethrone Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
Kihika, the daughter of Moi-era politician Kihika Kimani, is a former Nakuru assembly speaker. She made history in 2017 when she became of of the three elected women senators.
In Nyanza region, two woman representatives have declared their next stop will be governor.
Second-term Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga is aiming to succeed outgoing Governor Cyprian Awiti.
She is outspoken and a lose confidant of ODM chief Raila Odinga.
In Migori, Pamela Odhiambo is already campaigning to be the next governor.
Odhiambo wants to succeed Okoth Obado when he retires after his second and final term.
Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Janet Nangabo s in the race to succeed outgoing Governor Patrick Khaemba.
On Thursday, Ngirici cited the old adage, “Whatever men can do, women can do better.
The former chairman of the Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association said they are ready to face-off with their male counterparts.
“I encourage as many women as possible to join the race. Previously women have struggled to make gains in the face of violence, intimidation and sexism but that is coming to an end,” she said.
“In 2022, we are stepping up this mission to have more women in positions that share resources. Women are good in ensuring every part of the county is well developed. The era when society saw women as mere flower girls is over.”
