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Seven candidates have taken the gauntlet to battle for the Vihiga senate seat, as incumbent George Khaniri seeks the governorship.

Since the advent of devolution, the Senate slot has been reserved for the minority Tiriki sub-tribe, mainly domiciled in Hamisi constituency, with the governorship oscillating between the dominant Maragoli and the Bunyore clans.

Questions on probity that have lingered on Governor Wilber Otichillo’s administration seem to be the central motives for the candidates seeking to replace Khaniri.

The other factor is the informal power-sharing deals where key slots are distributed among sub-groups. Vihiga is one of Kenya’s most densely populated counties.

It is also the home county  of Amani National Congress chief Musalia Mudavadi, the Kenya Kwanza principal who is expected top flex his muscles in his backyard to deliver key seats and votes to the coalition.

Equally significant is that it is the home county of former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, who has reportedly been designated a powerful seat in Azimio-Okoa Kenya Alliance lineup.

Those in the contest include nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi, outgoing Ward Rep Jackson Swadi, Barbira Ndeda, businessman Sisco Mbindi, mental  health specialist Kennedy Imbuki, Kennedy Butiko of Amani National Congress and governance expert  Joseph Simekha. US-based Leo Ongadi is  also billed to be a contender.

Nominated MP Osotsi has told his rivals in the race to prepare for a tough contest.

Osotsi is the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate under Azimio la Umoja  coalition of principal Raila Odinga.

He was handed a direct ticket. He says he is the best replacement for Khaniri, going by his experience as an MP.

“Vihiga County needs an aggressive senator who can play the role of representation, oversight and legislation efficiently. Those contesting against me should be ready for a tough fight,” said the MP, who was nominated by ANC then he defected to ODM after a fall out with Musalia.

Osotsi’s style of campaigns is causing ripples in Vihiga as he is engaging mainly youth and women in development plans.

Simekha, too, has adopted an unlikely campaign mode in the largely rural county that is home to  Luanda market, one of the largest in Kenya. The political scientist says he will not issue any handout. “I have a seven-point agenda. I will not give handouts, though I have been mocked as having no money. I’ve accepted that profiling.”

Fierce critic

The aspirant has been a fierce critic of the Ottichillo administration, especially on use of county funds. He said he opted for the Federal Party after being elbowed out of ANC by forces close to Musalia.

Otsoti, Butiko and Simekha hail from Bunyore, the sub-group of Governor Otichillo, while Mbindi,  Swadi and Imbuki are from the Maragoli community. 

Otsosi’s opponents, however, say he is a resident of Lugari constituency in Kakamega, a claim he denies.

Swadi, who is the Kabwareng’ Ward Rep in Nandi County assembly, recently defected from ANC to Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance under the Kenya Kwanza political alliance.

 He has been campaigning across Vihiga County and mostly at his Sabatia home in Maragoli-land. Swadi is also a bishop of African Divine Church (ADC).  He is banking on this large network for support.

  Businessman Mbindi says he will be the game changer in county affairs. He has been using his resources to empower youth and women groups by initiating long-term projects for them. Mbindi was endorsed by his supporters across Vihiga County, including Maragoli elders, in a ceremony at Kidundu Stadium last week.

Agoi’s ally

Butiko, who will vie on an ANC ticket, is also a force to reckon with. He is an ally of Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi, who is running for governorship and has great sway in the party. Butiko was in UDA but shifted to ANC after being assured of a direct ticket.

Imbuki will vie as an independent. During free medical camps that he organises in Vihiga county, he promises quality health care and good  leadership.

 Ndeda is also a businessman. He is vying on a PPK ticket of Moses Akaranga after he defected from ANC.

Meanwhile, Governor  Ottichillo has denied any impropriety in the management of the county.  “There’s no big crime I have committed. Those fighting me only want to intensify their political strength towards the election,” he said.