As campaigns for various seats enter homestretch, the race for Homa Bay Women Representative seat is getting tight with ODM party nominee Joyce Osogo facing stiff competition.
Unlike in previous elections where securing an ODM ticket for any political seat in the county almost guaranteed victory, the scenario has since changed dramatically, with Independent candidates and those vying on other Azimio one Kenya affiliate parties’ tickets, now enjoying unprecedented popularity.
Only this weekend, elders from Homa Bay Town Constituency endorsed Woman Representative independent candidate Molline Marucha Ngala for the seat.
Through their organization, Nyada Ralek, the elders endorsed Marucha at Kabunde Social Hall ground.
Led by their officials Chairman Arthur Opiyo, Secretary Meshack Akelo and overseer Peterson Oloo, the elders declared their support Marucha for the post of Woman Representative.
“Politicians are fond of approaching elders for this type of endorsement after getting information that their opponent has been blessed. But we are saying that we no longer have any more blessings for any other Woman Rep candidate in this county apart from Marucha,” Opiyo said.
Akelo said they had scrutinized Marucha’s manifesto and found her fit to be the second county Women Rep.
“We have evaluated candidates vying for this seat and come to a unanimous decision that Marucha can serve this county better,” Akelo said.
Oloo said they are going to persuade elders from the other constituencies to back their choice.
“Politics is about the people and the entry point to the community is elders. We will talk to our colleagues in other constituencies to support our candidate,” Oloo said.
Marucha said the endorsement had given her a head start in the race.
“Homa Bay Town and Rangwe constituencies are behind me. I am in talks with voters in the remaining six constituencies to humbly request them for their votes,” Marucha said.
She promised to empower women, the youth, persons with disabilities and promote education if elected the next Woman Rep.
Meanwhile, in Ndhiwa Constituency, the locals have vowed to support the widow of the late former Internal Security Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode for the same position. Mary Ojode is vying on DAP-K party ticket.
“My reception is good all over and I am seeking support of voters in other constituencies so that we can take this county to the next level,” Ojode said.
Other than Marucha, Ojode and Osogo, the other three candidates for the seat are Easter Ogweno (Independent), Tabitha Nyandiek (Independent) and Melida Rangili (UDA).
The all want to succeed the outgoing women representative Gladys Wanga who is now vying for the county’s gubernatorial seat.
