National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has challenged women to move beyond supporting male politicians and directly compete for elective positions in the 2027 General Election.
Wetang’ula said women have the numbers to significantly influence elections but must translate their participation as voters and political supporters into winning elective seats at both county and national levels.
“Women should not only be voters and supporters of other people’s political ambitions. I want to see more women come forward, seek elective positions and compete for leadership at all levels,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker spoke on Wednesday when he met women leaders from the four wards of Kimilili Constituency at his residence in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.
He was accompanied by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli and Webuye East MP Martin Pepela.
The meeting focused on education, infrastructure, livelihoods and the need for women to play a bigger role in political leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wetang’ula cited the political career of Sitikho Ward MCA Grace Sundukwa as an example of what women can achieve when they venture into elective politics.
Sundukwa, who represents Sitikho Ward in Webuye West Constituency, has been elected three times.
“Look at Hon. Grace Sundukwa, a small girl we picked from the university. She has been elected three times. That tells you that a woman can organise herself, win the confidence of the people and serve successfully for several terms,” he said.
Wetang’ula said Sundukwa’s record should encourage more women to seek elective positions instead of waiting for nomination slots or government appointments.
“I want the women here to look at such examples and say, ‘If she can do it, I can also do it.’ Do not wait to be nominated or appointed. Come out and compete for elective seats,” Mr. Wetang’ula said.
He said women seeking political office must be prepared to campaign, present their programmes to voters and take the risks associated with electoral politics.
“We need more Hon. Grace Sundukwa. We need women who are ready to take the political risk, go to the people, explain their agenda and ask for their votes.”
