Kakamega Woman Rep Elsie Muhanda confirms 2027 governor bid
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 10, 2026Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda has confirmed her intention to contest for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election, signalling a firm political shift as succession politics in the county begin to take shape.
Speaking in a morning interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Muhanda dismissed speculation and conflicting reports circulating within local political circles, insisting that her decision remains unchanged and driven by the will of the electorate.
“Mimi naskiza ground na ground ya Kakamega inasema wako kuparia mmama ugavana na wako tayari kupatia mama Elsi ugavana. Ndio maana unaona kuna wale manabii wa uongo; mara wanasema mama amekubali kustep down, wengine wanasema Mama amesema hataendelea,” Muhanda said.
Muhanda acknowledged that in her bid, political parties should not be the ultimate deciding factor in her journey, emphasising that her campaign will be anchored on grassroots support rather than party structures. Muhanda was elected woman representative for Kakamega County in 2022 on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket.
She further indicated that she is prepared to contest as an independent candidate should party nominations not go in her favour, underscoring her readiness to remain in the race regardless of internal party decisions.
Wengine wananiambia mama huko mbele, “Mama, usiangalie chama kwa maana vyama zingine ziko na maneno.” Kama kuna chama hakitanipatia tiketi, mimi nitaenda hata independently, lakini mimi naskiza wananchi. Nataka kuhakikishia watu wa Kakamega kuwa mimi nitaenda mpaka kwa debe. Nimeamua na niko na msukumo wa wananchi,” she added.
According to her, the ongoing debate and rumours surrounding her candidature are being fuelled by what she termed ‘misinformation’ from political detractors, but she maintained that she remains focused on engaging voters directly.
Other candidates in Kakamega governor race
Her remarks now add momentum to early political realignments in the county, where competition for the governor’s seat is expected to intensify as aspirants begin mobilising support ahead of 2027.
Her entry into the race has seen her join other political heavyweights in the politics of Kakamega County, including Democracy for the Citizen’s Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malalah and Kakamega senator Bonnie Khalwale, in a bid to unseat the first-time Governor Fernandes Barasa.