Women pull a surprise in race for House seats

By ALLY JAMAH and MERCY KAHENDA

Women made their best showing in the National Assembly race where at least 14 of them were elected in addition to the 47 slots women representatives will have.

In comparison, women aspirants did not make it big in other seats including governor and senator.

In the presidential race, the only woman candidate Martha Karua made a poor showing despite her being popular in the presidential debates.

Among the women elected to the National Assembly are former nominated MP Millie Odhiambo, who clinched the Mbita seat, while university lecturer Jessica Mbalu was elected in Kibwezi West and Regina Ndambuki is the new Kilome MP.

Mrs Kaki Nyamai clinched the Kitui South seat while Ms Mary Emase made history by capturing Teso North on her first attempt on a URP ticket.

Special Programmes minister Esther Murugi remains the Nyeri Town MP while assistant minister Cecily Mbarire is expected to win the Runyenjes seat. Former Cabinet minister Prof Hellen Sambili fought the strong URP wave to retain her Mogotio parliamentary seat on a Kanu ticket as well as Dr Joyce Laboso, who retained her Sotik position. In the newly created Baringo South constituency, Grace Jelagat of URP is the new MP.

The new Ruiru constituency was captured by Esther Gathogo while Ms Peris Tobiko fought off deep-seated prejudice against women to be the first woman MP for Kajiado East.

Former Gender Minister Dr Naomi Shaban clinched the Taveta seat with newcomer Alice Ng’ang’a being the new Thika Town MP.

Alice Wahome is the new star in Kandara constituency while Mary Wambui got the Othaya seat.