The first set of female governors and senators could be elected in the August poll as aspirants jostle to outdo their male counterparts in the tough political contests.
According to the list presented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by political parties, at least 30 female aspirants have expressed interest to take up on the two positions which had no single elected woman in 2013.
Other than Narc Kenya leader and Kirinyaga County Governor candidate Martha Karua, the rest will battle with the males for the party primaries to be able to be on the ballot come August 8.
The lists presented by the parties indicate that there are nine governor candidates for the Jubilee Party and the National Super Alliance (Nasa) affiliate parties which are the major contenders in the coming election.
Jubilee Party however has the highest number of aspirants with six out of the nine contestants championing for the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
They include Karua, Cecily Mbarire for Embu, former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru for Kirinyaga, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso for Bomet, Nandi County’s Yulita Mitei and former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru who is vying for Nairobi Governor.
The sole candidate for Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is Anne Anyanga who is contesting in Migori County, Wiper’s candidate for Machakos Wavinya Ndeti and Ford Kenya’s Catherine Nabwala going for Trans Nzoia County.
For the Senate seat, the pack is led by Mombasa Deputy Governor Hazel Katana who has shifted to the Jubilee Party, Joyce Lay who is garnering for the Taita Taveta seat, Carolyne Chilango for Kilifi while Monica Njambi Kirunyu has expressed interest to capture the neighbouring Lamu County.
The fiercest battle will however be experienced in Nandi County where three women will be among 15 candidates fighting it out to replace Stephen Sang who has opted for the Governor’s seat. The three include Mary Mengech, Stella Ruto and Anne Sainna
In Uasin Gishu County, former minister Margaret Kamar will seek the Jubilee ticket to take the Senate seat while Victorine Kapkiai is also seeking for the same on the party primary to be conducted on Friday.
