Rift Valley's women politicians ready to cause upset in county top contests
From left: Women politicians Tabitha Karanja, Soipan Tuya, Cate Waruguru, Susan Nakhumicha and Cynthia Muge.
What you need to know:
- Women politicians across Rift Valley are entering governor and Senate races, challenging long-standing male political dominance.
- From Nandi to Bomet, female aspirants are positioning themselves for influential county leadership positions in 2027.
Fourteen months before the 2027 General Election, women leaders from the Rift Valley region have declared interest in top county seats, setting the stage for major political contests. The politicians have announced bids for gubernatorial and senatorial positions, ready to challenge the long-standing dominance of men in county leadership.
The Nation has established that the aspirants are reshaping political competition by advocating inclusion and transformative governance. Most of those seeking top county positions are relying on grassroots support, endorsements and their development records while offering alternative leadership. They have joined races that have already attracted seasoned politicians, professionals and wealthy investors.
Nandi woman representative Cynthia Muge. She seeks to succeed Governor Stephen Sang who is serving his second and final term.
Among them are Nandi woman representative Cynthia Muge, former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha and Chepkirui Kones, daughter of former Cabinet minister and veteran politician Kipkalya Kones. Others include Nakuru senator Tabitha Karanja, Stacey Chepkemoi, advocate Brenda Chepkemoi, Felisters Malatit, and former Baringo and Laikipia women representatives Gladwell Cheruiyot and Cate Waruguru respectively.
In Bomet, Chepkirui, also daughter of former Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones, has officially declared her bid for the Senate seat, joining an already male-dominated race. She hopes to unseat Senator Hillary Sigei. “I want to offer servant leadership and ensure the voice of Bomet residents is heard at the national level. I am bringing transformative leadership and will champion inclusive development, youth empowerment and accountability,” she said.
Political family
Chepkirui is a businesswoman and the wife of Belgut MP Nelson Koech. Her entry into the race sets up a highly competitive contest within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Established figures such as Governor Hillary Barchok and former Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat have also declared interest in the seat. Chepkirui’s political background and growing popularity could significantly influence the race, particularly among supporters of her late father and voters seeking generational change. Ms Chepkemoi is also eyeing the Bomet Senate seat.
In Nandi, Woman Representative Muge, 32, has generated political excitement after announcing her bid to succeed Governor Stephen Sang, who will complete his second term next year. Once viewed as an outsider in the male-dominated political arena, Ms Muge has become a major figure in political discussions across the county. “My interest in the governor’s seat is to redefine service delivery in Nandi and take the county to the next level by maximising the benefits of devolution,” she said.
Known for her strong public speaking skills in both Nandi and national languages, Ms Muge has been holding high-profile political meetings as she seeks grassroots support. She was first elected as an MCA at the age of 24 before becoming one of the youngest members of the National Assembly. Political analyst Nicholas Kibet describes her as a leader to watch. “She has the potential to become the first elected female governor in Nandi County, having risen from MCA to her current position as woman representative,” he said.
The race has also attracted finance expert Antipas Tirop, Dr Zaccius Rop, Engineer Anderson Serem and Tinderet MP Julius Melly, who is banking on his political experience after serving three terms in Parliament.
Kenya’s Representative to the United Nations Habitat Susan Nakhumicha. She will run against Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya in 2027.
In Trans Nzoia, Nakhumicha has stirred the political landscape after declaring her intention to challenge Governor George Natembeya. “I will be vying for the Trans Nzoia governor’s seat in 2027. I have the experience required to lead the county and have received support from residents and my clan to pursue the governorship instead of the woman representative seat,” said the former Health CS and Kenya’s Representative to the United Nations Habitat.
The race has also attracted former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa. Mr Natembeya is serving his first term. “The Constitution allows every Kenyan, regardless of gender, to seek leadership positions. I believe I have the experience and capacity to serve as governor,” Nakhumicha said.
Nakuru senator Tabitha Karanja. She plans to unseat Governor Susan Kihika.
In Nakuru, Senator Karanja has expressed interest in challenging Governor Susan Kihika. She has become one of the governor’s strongest critics. Other contenders include Geoffrey Mwangi of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and former County Assembly Speaker Joel Kairu. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui is also expected to announce a comeback bid. Meanwhile, lawyer Brenda Chepkemoi and Felisters Malatit have declared interest in the Nakuru senatorial seat.
In Baringo, former Woman Representative Cheruiyot plans to succeed Governor Benjamin Cheboi and become the county’s first female governor. In Narok, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya is expected to challenge Governor Patrick Ntutu.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya. She is expected to run against Kajiado governor Patrick ole Ntutu in 2027.
Other prominent figures who have expressed interest in governorships include former Laikipia woman representative Cate Waruguru of the DCP. An ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, she says she is confident voters will elect her governor. “I am ready to serve the people of Laikipia as governor. I am confident they will overwhelmingly support me in 2027,” she said.
Ms Waruguru served as a nominated MCA from 2013 to 2017 before becoming woman representative from 2017 to 2022.
Former Laikipia woman representative Cate Waruguru. She is seeking the Laikipia gubernatorial seat.
The entry of these women into male-dominated races is expected to reshape political dynamics across the region. Analysts predict fierce competition as more candidates join the contests. Lawyer and political analyst Steve Kabita says the women are likely to significantly alter the political landscape.
“The races for governor and Senate seats will no longer be male-dominated. The entry of these women, most of whom have held elective positions before, promises highly competitive contests,” he said.
Their decision to seek positions beyond the woman representative role is also viewed as a step towards achieving the constitutional two-thirds gender rule. In 2022, only seven women were elected governors: Kihika (Nakuru), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Cecily Mbarire (Embu). Ms Mwangaza has since been impeached.
Although this was the highest number of female governors since the introduction of devolution, the two-thirds gender rule remains unmet within the Council of Governors. Eight women were also elected deputy governors in 2022.
