Nyanza

Nyanza, the constituency that delivered the first female mayor, Mrs. Grace Onyango, will be very key for women to watch this elections as no woman was elected in all the 32 constituencies back in 2002. Aspirants are however hopeful and there are strong candidates who have been working the grassroots ever since.

The campaigns and elections in Alego-Usonga constituency will provide a thrilling spectacle, with over a dozen people eyeing the seat including Jacquline Oduol.

In Bobasi the race has attracted more than 20 aspirants including Jane Ragira, Jane Tom and ODM secretariat director Janet Ong’era,  A formidable opposition from new comers who include Catherine Nyamato will vie for the Bomachoge seat. 

Mrs Nelly Okwiri faces off with Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo who is fighting for a second term in a constituency reputed for sending to Parliament MPs with high educational credentials. 

In Gwassi, Mrs Consolata Yambo Migowa, a businesswoman finds herself in a crowded field in an area where aspirants will be struggling to get onto the ODM bandwagon to increase their chances of election victory. 

Although the trend of voting the “three-piece style” in Nyanza has been unchallenged, the developments in Karachuonyo are causing anxiety as the style could change.  The incumbent MP, Dr Adhu Awiti, is facing internal and external challengers making his chances for re-election slim such as Ted Olang and Joyce Majiwa.

Kasipul Kabondo MP Paddy Ahenda has a tough battle ahead in a constituency that is close to the heart of ODM presidential candidate Raila Odinga as he faces Ms Patricia Juma, Mary Ouma, Eva Obara, Jane Kiche and Jane Achieng. 

In a Kisumu Town East where the only race is for the ODM ticket, Mr Gor Sunguh is facing a host of challenges including Grace Woigo.

Kisumu Town West has attracted several female aspirants such as Rozah Akinyi, Mary Atieno Otieno and  Juliet Dima.

In Kitutu Chache front runners include Kisii-based philanthropist Magdalene Nyaboke, and educationist Ms Margaret Atogo.

Abigail Matini joins the race for Kitutu Masaba, which was made famous by firebrand politician George Anyona, will be one of the hotly contested parliamentary seats in Kisii. It has attracted 20 hopefuls, the highest number in the region, with more still expected to join the race. 

Rizpa Otieno is not afraid to face the incumbent in Mbita which has the least number of aspirants in Luo Nyanza to challenge the incumbent, Mr Otieno Kajwang’.

In Migori Janet Baraza has already launched door-to-door campaigns to popularise herself as she contends for the seat.
In Ndhiwa, like in most other parts of Nyanza province, parliamentary elections are as good as decided at the nomination stage for the favourite party, so all the focus now is on the nominations. Aspirants include Monica Amolo and Ms. Florence Otete.

North Mugirango, the seat has attracted Ms Rebecca Nyaanga, Ziporrah Buyaki, Josephine Mwango and Jane Nyamoita

Mr Peter Odoyo is braced for a tough battle for Nyakach — the constituency which became famous in the early 1990s with the emergence of a rare python named Omieri. Key aspirants include Rose Kisa Omondi and Grace Akumu.

Nyando is almost synonymous with annual floods and rice production. Every Member of Parliament (including incumbent Erick Nyamunga) has been confronted with raging waters that displace people from their homes an issue which aspirant Mboya Owuor will also be seeking to address as she faces other contestants.

Campaigns for the Nyaribari Masaba seat have usually been a two-horse race. But things could change this time round, as 17 people have so far said they will vie for the seat. As Consolata Mogaka and Mary Michieka say they want to end the dominance of two politicians.

In Nyatike constituency, aspirant Florence Ogur poses a real threat to the incumbent MP’s re-election.

Voters in Rangwe constituency could witness a change of guard as Elizabeth Ogola and  Esther Dwala contest for the seat.

In Rarieda, if development was the sole criterion to make an MP retain a seat, Foreign Affairs minister Raphael Tuju would be one of the few politicians who would be assured of going back to Parliament. But he faces strong opposition from a fearless challenger Ms. Ruth Ojungo.

A battle of titans looms in Rongo constituency as Ms Agnes Awinja , Ms. Dorcas Ogawe , Roselyn Arucho , Jane Dima, Mornica Yunita ,  and Ms Jane Okendo threaten to oust  the former  MP Ochillo Ayacko.

Joining top contenders for West Mugirango seat is Mrs Catherine Nyamato.