By ERIC JUMA
West Gem MCA Susan Okwiri has declared her bid for the Siaya Woman Representative seat, setting the stage for a competitive race to succeed three-term incumbent Dr Christine Ombaka in the 2027 General Election.
Okwiri, a two-term MCA, said she would seek the seat on the ODM ticket, adding that her decision followed repeated appeals from residents who urged her to vie.
She warned her rivals to prepare for a tough contest, saying she was confident of securing both the party nomination and victory in the general election.
“I have been meeting residents across Siaya County to present my policies and development agenda. In 2027, I will seek their mandate to serve as the Woman Representative and, by God’s grace, I will not disappoint them,” Okwiri said.
One of the few women elected as an MCA in two consecutive general elections, Okwiri has built her political profile through oversight and community development initiatives.
She was among the MCAs who championed the Widows Protection Bill, 2025, legislation aimed at strengthening inheritance rights for widows and protecting them from abuse and harmful cultural practices. The Bill was passed by the Siaya County Assembly on November 12, 2025.
Beyond legislation, Okwiri says she has focused on improving the welfare of vulnerable families through her “Eradicate Thatched Homes” initiative.
The programme has seen more than 20 grass-thatched houses belonging to vulnerable widows in West Gem replaced with iron-roofed homes.
“As a mother, I felt pain seeing children living in leaking grass-thatched houses. No family should live in such conditions. I decided to provide iron sheets and support the construction of decent homes to restore dignity to vulnerable families,” she said.
She said 22 houses have been completed in West Gem Ward, while two others have been built outside the ward.
Under the initiative, local communities identify the most deserving beneficiaries before a local committee approves them. Residents contribute building poles and roofing trusses, while Okwiri provides iron sheets, nails and meets labour costs.
“Every house we build represents shelter, hope, dignity and a brighter future for a deserving family,” she said.
Okwiri said the Woman Representative position has become an important platform for advancing women’s interests and should be occupied by leaders who are accessible, competent and committed to public service.
“I do not fear competition. Competition is healthy. I have gained enough political experience and strength to face any opponent. In 2017, I defeated male candidates to become West Gem MCA, but that did not make me a man. It simply showed that voters had confidence in my leadership,” she said.
She also appealed to ODM officials to conduct free, fair and transparent nominations to avoid internal disputes that could weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the same time, she urged eligible residents to register as voters before the closure of the voter registration exercise.
The Siaya Woman Representative race is shaping up to be one of the county’s most competitive contests, with several aspirants already expressing interest in the seat.
Among those who have declared their bids are nominated MCA Dorothy Oinga, former Siaya County Executive Committee Member for Education Pamela Akello, journalist Sella Ayimba, Beryl Okwatch Nyaguti, Elizabeth Anyango Nyakathomo, Janet Onyango and Achieng Masawa.
Dorothy Oinga, who hails from Rarieda Sub-County, entered the Siaya County Assembly through nomination in 2022 after previously serving in the county government’s human resource department.
She gained prominence in December 2025 after tabling a censure motion against Acting County Executive Committee Member for Finance George Nyingiro.
Oinga has often described her political journey as one shaped by resilience rather than privilege, saying she overcame poverty and hardship while growing up in Nyalenda, Kisumu County.
She says her leadership agenda focuses on accountability, prudent use of public resources, empowering women traders and promoting the education of girls.
Former county education executive Pamela Akello, popularly known as “Mama Yao”, has also declared her candidature.
Akello says her experience in public service has prepared her to champion women’s empowerment, youth development, improved access to education and protection of women’s rights.
“Leadership is about service, empowerment and creating opportunities for everyone,” she said.
Dr Christine Ombaka has represented Siaya County in the National Assembly since 2013 and is completing her third consecutive term.
In the 2022 General Election, she was re-elected after garnering 207,748 votes, representing 55.54 per cent of the total votes cast.
Journalist Sella Ayimba, who contested on the MDG party ticket, finished second with 145,507 votes, while Emma Agola came third with 6,876 votes.
With several experienced candidates already in the race, the battle for the ODM ticket and ultimately the Siaya Woman Representative seat is expected to intensify as the 2027 General Election draws closer.
