Vihiga county has witnessed heightened political activities in this year 2023.

Political players have not shied a way from expressing their intentions directly or indirectly even as we speed off 2023.

The current governor Dr Wilbur Otichillo is serving his second and final term which has elicited excitement for those eyeing his position upon the expiry of his term..

Below are seasoned politicians who are going to shape Vihiga politics in the next 24 months.

Hon Godfrey Osotsi.

Elected to parliament first in 2017 on ANC ticket, the straight shooting lawmaker fell out ideologically with his party and switched his loyalty to ODM.  This was seen as a political suicide since Vihiga was considered an ANC backyard. In 2022, Hon Osotsi surprised many when he announced that he would be contesting the Vihiga county senatorship on ODM party. Many pundits wrote him off but he remained steadfast swimming against the tides and winning the seat amid stiff competition from UDA,ANC and PPK. Both parties subscribed to Kenya Kwanza.

Upon assuming his position as senator, Osotsi has never shied away from speaking his mind. Many believe that he is so devoted to prosecuting whatever he feels is right and in the interest of his people. Apparently he is the voice of the people both in the senate and in Vihiga county. Osotsi has kept tabs with his electorates and many believe that should be run for governorship in 2027, he equally has good chances of winning. However when asked about his future plans, the straight talking legislator has maintained that he is only keen on serving his term as Vihiga senator.

Hon Omboko Milemba.
The second term MP for Emuhaya who doubles up as the S.G ANC party is a shrewd politician and an avid debator. He enjoys a massive support in Vihiga county thanks to his teaching background and activisms on matters Kuppet. He is also considered a front runner for the governor’s seat in 2027 thanks to his close association with Hon Mudavadi. He has been traversing the vast county endearing himself to electorates. Will Vihigans give him the mantle? Time will tell.

Hon Aladwa George.

Hon George Omwera Aladwa’s entry into Vihiga  politics has caused shivers down the spines. Aladwa is urguably the most experienced of all thanks to his long stay in politics having shot into limelight during the Moi days as a Kanu diehard. Aladwa served as a an MCA before becoming the last mayor to run Nairobi city. Considered by many as a go getter, Aladwa is currently serving his second term as Makadara MP. Aladwa a close ally of Raila Odinga is also the Nairobi county ODM party supremo a position he has held for the past over 10 years. Aladwa a native of Vihiga county, Sabatia constituency in what many have termed as “return to the roots” , Aladwa has been traversing the vast county engaging in development initiatives. His arrival has excited  local churches and community leaders warmly receiving him  thanks to his bold approach to issues. “Aladwa is not a coward which makes many people to want to associate with him. Should Aladwa clinch the ODM party ticket, he will most definitely win the seat which has eluded ANC for 10years now.

Kidake Alex Malova.

The city business man is considered as the new kid on the block. Mr Kidake plunged into politics in 2022 by first declaring his interest in Vihiga governorship. He later shelved his ambition and later ran for Sabatia seat on Ford Kenya ticket.He narrowly lost to the current MP  Hon Sloya of UDA. His loss was partly attributed to his late change of mind.

Mr Kidake has since crossed from Ford Kenya and found a new home in DAP under Eugine Wamalwa. The youthful businessman has been showcasing some ideas which have been pulling crowds across the county the latest one being the mass wedding on 12th December. Kidake has marketed himself as a break from the old past and is promising anew angle in serving people. His social media presence is so very appealing to the youth which form the largest voting block. In the next 24 months his name will always be on the lips of Vihiga voters. Is Kidake the right person for the top seat? Vihigans will tell.

Gov Moses Akaranga EGH.

Although in his sunset years politically, Gov Akaranga cannot be wished away in Vihiga politics. Hon Akaranga enjoys a massive support from the church and the network he built as MP Sabatia and first governor of Vihiga. He has remained tight lipped on his 2027 plans but pundits believe should he run, he may as well cause an upset. He has also shown a soft liking for both Omboko Milemba and Aladwa. Whoever he endorses for the top seat will have an upper hand. With the gift of the garb, given enough resources Akaranga can easily fry something.

Sen George Khaniri.

Senator Khaniri boasts of the longest years in parliament from Vihiga county. Having served as MP and senator for Vihiga, Hon Khaniri understands the political terrain pretty well. He ran for Vihiga governorship in 2022 on UDP but  performed miserably. People believe he has learnt from his mistakes and could cause a surprise should he vie in 2027. His presence on the map of Vihiga politics cannot be wished away, he has however kept a low profile shunning publicity but lots of ground work is ongoing.

Hon Adagala Beatrice.
Many call her as the iron lady of Vihiga and the fiercest defender of Musalia Mudavadi. Hon Adagala now serving her second term as woman rep surprised many when she declared her interest for Vihiga governorship. Vihiga county is yet to elect a woman MP and dreaming of having a woman governor remains a wait and see case. Hon Adagala is a hardliner who will defend the government’s position however unpopular. This trait has backfired on her where her political opponents see her purely as an appendage of the state which many in Vihiga consider as oppressive thanks to the punitive taxes imposed that Adagala vehemently defends. Whichever way  way she presents herself in 2027, Hon Adagala will be a factor in 2027 Vihiga gubernatorial race.

Via Burton Avwage Vihiga county