Kakamega youths seek to defeat old guards in polls
By dennis-lumiti, February 4, 2022A bruising battle pitting youthful new-comers against seasoned politicians is fast shaping up in Kakamega county.
Aspirants in their 20s and 30s seem determined to end careers of politicians in their 50s, 60s and 70s in the August 9 polls.
The upcoming elections will be historical in the county owing to the increasing number of youth seeking to dethrone old-guards.
More than 50 aspirants in their 20s and 30s are angling for governorship, Senate, National Assembly and Ward Rep seats, the highest number in the political history of the county.
Political analysts say the “young turks” may eclipse the “old guards” if they play smart. “Many young people from Kakamega and entire Luhya nation have avoided elective politics over the years due to cultural inhibitions,” said Desterio Okumu, a political commentator .
“Vying against an older person was considered a taboo. But not any more,” he added.
Public forums
Seasoned politicians are feeling the heat and have been using public forums to undermine the young aspirants.
“Rwana rumbaandi muundenyee (children have tied my legs),” former Shinyalu MP Lisamula Anami said at a funeral recently in reference to the youthful aspirants. Anami, 78, is seeking to reclaim the seat he held between 2013 and 2017.
Area MP Justus Kizito, in his late 50s, is also seeking to retain the seat.
But they have to content with a pack of youths out to take their place.
They include businessman Fred Ikana, allied to Amani National Congress, Hillary Shamia and Oscar Shamalla of United Democratic Alliance and Xavier Musonye.
“Our people are in dire need of transformation and this can only be made possible by young, vibrant and creative leaders. This is the reason I am in the race to become the MP for Shinyalu,” said Ikana, 36.
Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malalah appears to have inspired many youngsters after he was elected Mahiakalo Member of County Assembly in 2013 in his early 30s and to his current position in his mid-30s.
In Butsotso South Ward of Lurambi, one Gildon Shioso has been giving the sitting Ward Rep Walter Andati a run for his money until he recently declared that he would not be defending his seat, and would, instead back the aspirant, in his 30s.
A Nakuru-based medic, Dr Brian Lishenga, 36, is also seeking to clinch the Senate seat against his main challenger, Simbauni Ndombi, aged over 60.
Accountant Timothy Vikiru, 37, of ANC is seeking to take take the Lurambi seat where he will battle it out with Bishop Titus Khamala who decamped from the party last week to join the Raila Odinga led Azikmio La Umoja. Prof. fred Khainga is also asporing yo replace Khamala on an ANC tockets.
There is David Shimenga who is putting up a fight against Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali and businessman Vincent Mukhono.
Shinali faced a similar scare in 2017 from another youth, Khamisi Butichi, but survived through a court decision. Winfred Asiko is on the other hand battling for the Woman Rep seat against the incumbent Elsie Muhanda and other seasoned politicians such as Nominated Senator Naomi Shiyonga, Peninah Mukabane and Sarah Netia.
Jackline Okanya is putting up a fight for Mumias West parliamentary seat against Johnston Naicca, in his 70s, and political activist Rashid Mohammed.
Seasoned politicians
So is Dan Mukofu Isukha Central Ward seat in Shinyalu currently held by John Musilwa, a retired teacher. Also in the race is Dickson Murila, also a retired teacher.
Other youthful contestants include Silas Shiyenzi in Isukha West Ward, Antony Shisanya in Idakho North, Kevin Muhanji in Isukha South and Collins Kubayi in Isukha North.
If they succeed they will join Malalah, Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and his Butere’s Tindi Mwale as some of the youngest politicians ever elected in the county.