Race to replace Sen Khaniri as Vihiga senator in top gear as Hon Osotsi and four others line up.
.
The search for the next Vihiga county senator is in high gear as aspirants crisscross the vast county wooing potential voters ahead of 2022.
The realization that the current county senator could be going for the governorship has revitalized aspirants in the county.
So far four candidates have stepped forth in trying to endear themselves to the masses.
As the numbers of those interested in representing Vihiga county grow as days go by, one may be tempted to ask,
What is the role of a senator?
The powers and role of the Senate in Kenya are as follows: Empowered to represent the interests of the counties and their governments. Participates in law-making by considering, debating, and approving bills concerning counties. Determines allocation of national revenue among counties.
The Senate fulfills its role as a check on government by scrutinizing bills, delegated legislation, government administration, and government policy in general. It does this by way of procedures utilized in the Senate chamber itself and through the operation of the Senate committee system
Having answered the above questions in respect to the role of a senator in Kenya, we therefore ask are those who have so far stepped forth fit for the job? Do they really know what they are engaging into?
Take, for instance, to be a senator in the US, one must be at least 30 yrs and a resident of the state/county for at least 9 years.
It is this residency factor that has triggered a debate on two major perceived front runners on ANC ticket that has kept people talking.
Jackson Swadi Kedogo MCA in Nandi county.
Hon Swadi has been traversing the county selling his bid for the top job. Himself a seasoned politician having served in Nairobi’s Mathare area in the defunct local government authority, Swadi moved to his native Nandi county in Aldai where he easily clinched the Kabwareng ward seat on UDF and now he is doing his second term as ANC member of the NANDI COUNTY ASSEMBLY.
Although Swadi traces his ancestry in Vihiga county, many people argue that he should consider contesting in Nandi county which will enhance Mudavadi’s chances of clinching the presidency.
’’In 2022, Mudavadi is going for the top seat; we need enough soldiers to help us achieve this fete. To do this, we need Swadi and others to vie in Nandi, not in Vihiga where we all know that Vihiga is locked under Mudavadi’.
James Babira Ndeda.
Ndeda is a director of victims of the unfortunate 1998 Cooperative house bombing in Nairobi. He has had a stint in the USA and he is now back in the county.
During the 2007 elections, Mr. Ndeda contested the ODM Primaries in Emgwen but failed to secure the party ticket. In 2013 he gave the stub a second bid and ran on Chama Cha Mwananchi.
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 001 | Albert Indasi Kayi | Party Of Action | 422 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 002 | Amos Bernard Shilibwa | Federal Party Of Kenya | 610 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 003 | Ketter Gabriel | National Agenda Party Of Kenya | 186 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 004 | SAMMY KOSKEI | Kenya African National Union | 406 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 005 | Kosgey Alexander Kimutai Kigen Kosgey | United Republican Party | 29,485 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 006 | Malel Joel Kipkosgei | National Vision Party of Kenya | 5,105 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 007 | Ndeda James Babira | Chama Cha Mwananchi | 751 |
| 29 | NANDI | 155 | EMGWEN | 008 | James K. Tanui | United Democratic Forum Party | 1,372 |
| TOTAL VALID VOTES | 38, |
Results of the 2013 elections for Emgwen constituency.
Mr. Ndeda has been traversing Vihiga county selling his bid. An immigrant for Vihiga sub-county, Babira has settled in Kapangani where he also vied for Mp in Emgwen ( see results above)
His candidature is also suffering the same fate as that of Hon Swadi, many people opine that these returnees should instead increase Mudavadi’s image in Nandi county rather than trooping back home.
Joseph Mukuna Ekhuya Simekha
A consultant in public policy, governance, and institutional development; a trainer in civic education and political literacy and a human rights defender; as well as a community mobilizer and organizer, Simekha’s candidature is yet to kick-off as he is more often than not engaged in activism against what he terms as mismanagement of the county by Hon Otichilo.
Mr. Simekha first vied as Emuhaya Mp in 2008 but lost to Otichilo. In the election, he performed miserably by garnering less than 100 votes during party primaries. Will he make it as the next senator? Time will tell.
Hon Leonard Ongadi
He is doing some great work mobilizing online but Ongadi is not visible on the ground as he is still in the west working.
Hon Godfrey Osotsi Mp.
Hon Godfrey Osotsi is perhaps the most agile and most visible of all the four. The first time Mp has an elaborate network of friends across all the 25 wards in Vihiga. It is also believed that he enjoys the support of the outgoing senator Hon Khaniri who is his close buddy.
On matters of governance and roles of a senator, the first time Mp comes out as someone with a clear grasp of what his role as a senator will be. This is further compounded by his vibrancy during debates in the national assembly. Although not yet a senator, Hon Osotsi candidly gave his views on the revenue sharing formula which had brought an impasse in the senate. he never shies away from speaking his mind on matters of national importance. His resolve and views on handshake, and BBI have always been consistent.
” Our county has a lot of potentials that if well harnessed we can grow our economy. as leaders, we need to strive and wake up the sleeping giant that is Vihiga county. each of us must play a role in reshaping the social and economic fabric of this great county. I look forward to playing this role now and in the future” said Osotsi.
whatever happens in 2022, Vihigans should choose the best man for the job. Proper scrutiny will guarantee Vihigans of the best candidate devoid of party melodrama.
May the best candidate win.
