As the 2022 General Election takes shape, Mt Kenya counties women leaders, like many others across the country county, are flexing their muscles to take control of elective posts largely dominated by their male counterparts
Since the promulgation of the 2010 constitution, Kenya has had only 3 women taking the gubernatorial positions; Anne Waiguru(Kirinyaga), Charity Ngilu(Kitui), and the late Joyce Laboso(Bomet).
All the 3 women assumed office in the 2017 General Election, and before that (in 2013) the gubernatorial seat was cockfest i.e male-dominated
It now appears the tide is slowly changing as more and more ladies show interest in challenging men for the big seats as opposed to waiting for party nominations to be rewarded special seats.
In Kirinyaga County, Governor Anne Waiguru seeks to retain her seat, while her bitter rival and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Purity Ngirici is eyeing the same post.
A tough race is expected in this county as iron lady and NARC-K party leader Martha Karua also seeks to challenge Wiaguru for the position yet again.
It is believed Martha Karua is plotting a comeback to clinch the seat through her party, after losing to Waiguru in 2017.
Karua, who contested the presidency in 2013 has also been seen as a possible running mate to several aspiring presidential hopefuls due to her pro-reform profile.
According to political pundits, Karua can be a prospect if William Ruto seeks a running mate from the Mt. Kenya region.
The neighbouring Meru County is also facing the same tough battle as Woman Representative Faith Kawira is working hard to face off with incumbent, Kiraitu Murungi.
As Embu Governor Martin Wambora completes his second term, nominated MP Cecily Mbarire seeks to take control of the county leadership.
Elsewhere, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika is seeking to dethrone Governor Lee Kinyanjui who is serving his first term.
For Murang’a County, Woman Representative Sabina Chege will be contesting the gubernatorial seat after Mwangi wa Iria’s second term comes to an end in 2022.
Sabina Chege has already declared that she will be contesting for the seat, and is expected to tackle Senator Irungu Kang’ata and others.
