5 women in race for Wendani MCA seat

The late Kahawa Wendani MCA"s brother Kevin Ochieng Odhiambo during an interview with the Standard, Ochieng has emerged as the front-runner in the crowded field that has seen 11 aspirants seeking to capture the ruling party’s ticket. [Fidelis Kabunyi

Close to eight months after the mysterious death of Kahawa Wendani Member of County Assembly Cyrus Omondi, alias GearBox, the race to succeed him has gathered momentum ahead of Jubilee Party nominations set for October 6.  

The seat fell vacant in February this year after Omondi died while on an official trip to India. His younger brother Kevin Ochieng is among 11 other aspirants seeking to capture the ruling party’s ticket.

Ochieng, 31 served as his late brother Omondi’s right-hand-man and was instrumental in bringing to fruition several projects in the ward among them the ongoing construction of the sewerage system and funded by the World Bank.

Among other projects that the late MCA had successfully started was the installation of street lights in some areas, the monthly football tournaments for the youths, and rotating funds for women.

“I am ready to accomplish my elder brother’s projects which he wanted to benefit all residents of Wendani irrespective of their tribal background. My prayer is for the voters to give me the opportunity to serve them and finish the work that my brother started," he said

Ochieng and 10 other aspirants have been cleared by the Jubilee Party’s National Elections Board for the nomination exercise next month.

Five women are also in the race and among them is a former contender for the seat Rose Karimi who will be battling it out with Ochieng at the party nominations. The other is Margaret Wanjiku, a newcomer in Wendani politics.

Ben Mbugua who vied as an independent candidate in the 2017 elections is also seeking a Jubilee ticket.

Whoever clinches the Jubilee ticket on October 6, will enjoy the support of ODM which is not fielding a candidate.