Nominated senator abandoned quest for senate to win MCA seat

Nominated Senator Godliver Omondi surprised many in March when she announced her intention to vie for the Kholera ward seat in Matungu constituency, Kakamega County.

Many thought she had downgraded herself by shifting her focus from the Senate to the county assembly. But Ms Omondi (right) knew what she wanted - to serve the people at village level.

"I would rather serve from the county's kitchen where the cooking is done than at the top because I would get to interact with the people on a deeper level. I have always yearned to work at the village level, where you meet people easily," said the MCA-elect who was nominated to the Senate in 2013 to represent the disabled.

She made the decision knowing well that a senatorial position came with more allowances and a higher salary - four times that of an Member of the County Assembly.

"Leadership is not about titles or the perks that come with it, but about serving the people. I had a burden in my heart and I always told leaders in my meetings to serve the electorate. I thought that for me to understand the terrain, I should start from the grassroots," said Ms Omondi.

Higher seat

She also announced that she would vie for a higher seat in 2022, reckoning that by then, she will have learnt the ropes and her track record will help sail her through easily.

Ms Omondi beat six candidates, including five men, to clinch the seat through the Amani National Congress party.

She trounced her closest rival by 1,000 votes getting 3,657 against Karim Tingili's 2,657. Mr Tingili contested via the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Omondi, who also chairs the United Disabled Persons of Kenya organisation, was nominated by ODM to represent persons with disabilities in 2013.

[James Wanzala]