10 wrestle for seat held by Onyonka family since 1962

 Richard Onyoka served as MP for three consecutive terms. He took over from his father, Dr Zachary Onyonka. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The General Election will usher in new leadership in the Kitutu Chache South Constituency and bring an end to the domination by one of the iconic political families, the Onyonkas, who have ruled the area for several years.

The incumbent Richard Onyoka's decision to go for Senate means the constituency will have a new Member of Parliament. Richard has served as MP for three consecutive terms. He took over from his father, Dr Zachary Onyonka, who represented the constituency from 1962 until his death in 1996.

The constituency was first known as Kitutu Chache before being split into Kitutu Chache South and Kitutu Chache North. Kitutu Chache North is currently held by Jimmy Angwenyi (Jubilee); one of the country's longest-serving MPs.

The voting area cuts across the main Kisii-Kisumu road. It borders Homa Bay County with majority of those living around Roga and Matieko voting in the constituency.

Kitutu Chache South is home to the second-largest open-air market in Western Kenya - Daraja Mbili market. The recently built Nyakoe is also attracting traders from Migori, Homa Bay and Nyamira counties.

The wealthy in the community have found home in areas like Kiamwasi, Mosocho, Nyakoe, Kioge and Matieko.

However, the constituency has not had any major improvement in its road network at a time nearly all constituencies in the region got almost 100km of tarmacked roads each in the ten years of the Jubilee government.

The largest hospital in the region, Kisii Teaching and Referral hospital, is hosted in this constituency. It got its new administrative headquarters not long ago located in the Nyanchwa area.

The constituency has a total of 59,017 registered voters in its five electoral wards; Bogusero (10,951), Bogeka (6,865), Nyakoe (10,939), Kitutu Central (21,942) and Nyatieko (8,320).

 The newly-built Doctors Plaza at the Kisii Teaching and Referral hospital. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has already gazetted 10 candidates for the race. They include UPA's Eric Abuga, Pius Abuki (PDP), Anthony Kibagendi (ODM), Andrew Maubi (Wiper), Justus Mochoge (DAP-K), Nyaberi Eric (Kanu), Justine Nyagami (UDA), Samuel Omwando (Independent), James Kegoro Onkangi (Independent) and Toel Kerubo (Jubilee).

Of the 10, only two; Kerubo and Nyagami are first-time candidates; the rest have made more than two attempts in the past elections. Nyagami has been an active member of the Youth Council.

Kerubo is a graduate of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She is a Mechanical Engineer attempting to break this cycle of male dominance in the Kisii political scene.

"It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting bush-fires of freedom in the minds of men," says a fiery Kerubo.

Kegoro and Abuga represent the diaspora candidates having stayed in the US for some years before returning to Kenya to take part in politics.

Omwando served as Kisii Mayor and civic leader while Abuki also served as a civic leader and the first Member of County Assembly for Kitutu Central Ward.

Abuki says he has gathered enough experience to lead the people of Kitutu Chache South.

"It is no longer about us, but the people whom we want to lead. For a very long time, we have tried to change the leadership of this great Constituency. We now have an opportunity to show leadership and change what has long been held as a norm."

Soft-spoken, Abuki cuts an image of a neutral Azimio La Umoja candidate representing a PDP, a party that scooped five elective MCAs seats and three nominated seats in the 2017 elections in the Assembly.

"Leadership is not about chest-thumping but going to the people and sharing their experiences that will eventually shape our vision and priorities. The decisions must be made from among our people, we don't initiate projects for the sake, but for posterity."

 Mosaic Limited Mall in Mosocho, Kitutu Chache South. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

Kigabendi who emerged second in the last general elections believes the time is ripe for him to ascend to the seat and deliver the people.

"This time it will be different. It is a new beginning, one that will give our people hope that we can do better to improve on their livelihoods."

Omwando who lost in the ODM nominations believes, his long tenure in the area's politics gives him an edge over his opponents. "The role of a Member of Parliament is well stipulated, I will not fail my people."

"Our youths form part of the most vulnerable groups that require help immediately. I will fight for their rights through legislation and lobbying. I will ensure government opportunities will get to them," Maubi said.

Abuga explains that he has done enough groundwork.

"I have participated in a number of social and economic endeavours that have helped improve the lives of many young people."