Battle for women representative seat heats up in Kisii County

The race for the position of Woman Representative has attracted a number of aspirants seeking to oust the incumbent, Mary Otara. Ms Otara was elected to office on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket in the last elections.

Sources close to nominated Senator Janet Ong’era revealed that the senator could be going for an elective post, possibly that of Woman Representative. Ms Ong’era, a staunch supporter and member of ODM, has built her profile through numerous women’s projects across the county.

In the recent past, she has been said to be working closely with Governor James Ongwae, maintaining that ODM is the strongest party in Kisii County and they are keen to win all the seats available in the 2017 polls.

COMMUNITY WORKER

“We have the community’s backing and no one should imagine that we have weakened. We have put in place strategies to increase votes for our party,” she said.

Ong’era, a career lawyer, cuts across the county’s nine sub-counties as a key figure in the ODM campaigns both in 2007 and 2013.

Before she emerged victorious in the last General Election, Otara was a community worker sitting on various community committees within the Lutheran Church.

Through the Affirmative Action Fund, Otara has been distributing funds to run projects for women, the youth and people with disability.

Another notable figure in the race is Bridget Ombati, wife of North Eastern Police Commander Moses Ombati. She lost the seat to Otara in the 2013 elections. Ms Ombati contested the seat on a PDP ticket after losing out in the ODM nominations.

Lawyer Jane Matoke is also in the race but her close allies are watching closely to see which party ticket she will pick after her party, Ford People, folded to join the Jubilee Party.

Ms Matoke has worked as the chairperson for the Water and Regulatory Board.

“We seek to improve the infrastructure with government money and seek markets abroad,” she said.

Others in the race include businesswomen Everline Ogendo and Rosemary Obara as well as career teacher Judith Miruka.