When political DNA runs throughout the family

Ruth Odinga: I am an independent person, a go-getter, I don't take rides from anyone, I believe in doing it. [File, Standard]

Sons and daughters of onetime political supremos are running in this year’s election, therefore, keeping the family fire burning.
Kanu chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and his brother-Rongai MP Raymond Moi who joined politics after their father, the late President Daniel Moi, left the stage in 2002, are in the race.
Raymond was first elected Rongai MP in 2013 on a Kanu ticket taking beating Luka Kigen who had been elected on an ODM ticket in 2007. He was re-elected for a second term in 2017 in a landslide win.
“I believe I have served the people of Rongai as expected for the past ten years. There is more that I’m determined to do for them once elected for the third term which I’m confident will happen,” says Raymond.
Senator Gideon, who has shelved his presidential ambitions to support ODM leader Raila Odinga, will also be seeking a third term in the Senate. Gideon was first elected to parliament in 2007 as the MP for Baringo Central unopposed.
His late father served as Baringo MP between 1966 and 2002. After the inauguration of the 2010 Constitution, Gideon was overwhelmingly voted in as the Baringo Senator. He was re-elected in 2017 and now is seeking a third term.
Other than the local politics, Gideon's suture as a national leader has continued to grow following his recent involvement in the crafting of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance that brings together over 25 political parties.
“I am delighted to defend my seat for the third time. I am looking forward to a good and vigorous campaign and earning again the trust of great people of Baringo County,” says Gideon.
The late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s children led by Raila, the Azimio presidential candidate, are among those who are battling for various seats to keep the late patriarch's flame alive. Raila's brother Oburu Oginga is contesting the Siaya senate seat.
Their younger sister Ruth Odinga is running for the Kisumu Woman Rep seat.  Ruth says she is creating her own identity but admits that coming from a political family has helped her grow.
"I am an independent person, a go-getter, I don't take rides from anyone, I believe in doing it. Of course, there is support from family but I am not the kind who waits for it.”
In Gusii region, Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka, the son of former Kanu Cabinet Minister Dr Zachary Onyonka will be vying for the Kisii Senate seat. The MP is serving a third term in Parliament.

Nick Salat: Like father, like son. {File, Standard]

Former KTDA company secretary Ken Omanga, the son of the late former Cabinet Minister Andrew Omanga, is also vying for the Kisii Senate seat on a Kanu ticket. His mother Clare Omanga also served as a Mayor for the defunct Kisii Municipality.
In Nyamira, Emily Kwamboka Nyagarama, the eldest daughter of the late Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama will be vying for the Nyamira Woman Rep. Ms Nyagarama will square it out with the incumbent Jerusha Momanyi of Jubilee and the other 14 aspirants.
Patrick Osero, the son of the second MP of West Mugirango Joseph Osero, is also seeking to be elected as Borabu MP, a seat he has sought for four unsuccessful election seasons. His father was an MP from 1966 to 1969 when he was replaced by the late George Morara.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara made her political debut following the death of her husband Paul Kihara in 2003 having served the constituency as its MP starting in 1997.
She was subsequently elected in the preceding by-election on a Narc ticket to serve for the remainder of the term until 2007 when she was trounced by John Mututho. She, however, recaptured the seat in 2017 on a Jubilee ticket.