Samburu County has finally elected its first woman MCA, breaking a long-running pattern in the region more than ten years into devolution.
Isabella Leshimporo won the Angata Nanyukie Ward by-election on November 27, running on a UDA ticket. Her win is being viewed as a big step for the county, which has never had an elected female ward representative since 2013.
The seat fell vacant earlier this year after her husband, former MCA Paul Leshimpiro, was shot dead by bandits in February while heading home. Isabella later joined the race, telling residents she wanted to push forward the work her husband had been doing in the ward.
During campaigns, many locals said they backed her because they wanted stability and someone who already understood the community’s struggles. Others spoke of giving her a chance to continue a legacy they felt had been cut short.
In the final tally, Isabella secured 1,235 votes. She was followed closely by Pauline Nasieku Lenkupae of the National Agenda Party of Kenya with 1,000 votes, while ODM’s Letoluai Loisia came in third with 954.
UDA welcomed the results, calling the victory a major moment for the party and Samburu politics.
“Congratulations to Hon. Isabella Leshimporo on her election as MCA for Angata Nanyokie Ward. We celebrate your well-deserved victory and wish you all the best as you serve the people of Angata Nanyokie and Samburu County,” the party said.
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) also applauded the win, saying it sends a strong message to young girls and women in communities where cultural norms have kept them away from elective politics.
“KEWOPA congratulates Isabella Leshimpiro on her election Your milestone inspires women’s participation in leadership across Kenya,” the caucus said.
As she prepares to be sworn in, Isabella steps into the role with high expectations from residents who want service delivery to continue without disruption and with the symbolism of being the first woman ever elected to such a position in Samburu.
