Nominated Kisumu MCA Mickey Ochieng has thrown her hat into the ring for the Kisumu Women Representative seat. Faith Matete
Nominated Kisumu MCA Mickey Ochieng has thrown her hat into the ring for the Kisumu Women Representative seat, becoming the latest politician to position herself for the 2027 General Election.
Ochieng formally declared her interest in the seat during a meeting with ODM delegates, party supporters and community representatives in Kaloleni, Kisumu.
Her time at the county assembly, she said, has given her the experience and understanding needed to seek a bigger elective position at the national level.
"The period I have worked as a nominated member at the Kisumu County Assembly has been a good learning experience; hence, my decision to inform you of my plans to represent the county at the National Assembly,” Ochieng said.
Ochieng used the grassroots meeting to test her support among ODM delegates and local opinion leaders as she begins what is likely to be a competitive race for the seat.
She appealed to party leaders and delegates to back her candidature, promising to build on the experience she has gained in county leadership.
Her entry adds a new dimension to a race that is already attracting interest, particularly with incumbent Women's Representative Ruth Odinga expected to shift her focus to the Kisumu gubernatorial contest.
Other names that have emerged in the race include Beatrice Amondi, who will vie for the seat under UDA.
Ochieng's declaration received an early show of support from residents and local leaders at the Kaloleni meeting, with several participants urging voters to rally behind her.
Steve Odhiambo, a resident, told Ochieng that she could count on support from the area. “You have our vote. In Kaloleni, we are with you,” he said.
Textile businessman John Oloo also pledged his support, saying residents would stand behind her candidature.
Peter Obunga, chairman of the Shauri-Moyo Primary polling station, called on residents to support Ochieng as one of their own.
“Let us stand with our own,” he said while praising Ochieng for engaging voters at the grassroots before embarking on her campaign.
“She is the first Women Representative candidate to sit us down. She is capable. We are asking her not to forget us,” the resident said.
Nathifa Omar, meanwhile, said Ruth Odinga had performed well during her tenure and challenged Ochieng to build on her predecessor's achievements.
"Ruth did well. We hope Mickey will also do well. We benefited from NGAAF and are still in business. Mickey, please copy her,” Omar said.
The endorsements offered Ochieng an early glimpse of the grassroots mobilisation she will need as she seeks to expand her support beyond her political base.
The Kisumu Women Representative race is expected to intensify as politicians position themselves to succeed Ruth Odinga.
The seat was first held by Rose Nyamunga between 2013 and 2017 before Rozaah Akinyi Buyu took over for the 2017-2022 term. Ruth Odinga won the seat in 2022.
With Odinga now expected to pursue the governorship, the contest for her successor is likely to attract more aspirants in the coming months.
