This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
July 25, 2019
Kakamega County is witnessing a power struggle between Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda and Nominated Senator Naomi Shiyonga, with County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya's decision to fund Shiyonga's development activities across the county at the center of the dispute.
According to sources, Muhanda prematurely left a harambee function at Shihome Primary School in Malava constituency, presided over by Parliamentary Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali and Area MP Malulu Injendi, after gathering intelligence that she would be booed by the crowd, which seemed sympathetic to Shiyonga.
Shiyonga, who hails from the area, was not present at the function, as she was attending another event in Mumias subcounty. When questioned about the incident, Shiyonga denied any knowledge of plans to heckle Muhanda, stating that she is free to move anywhere across the county without fear.
Both leaders belong to the ODM party, with Oparanya serving as the deputy party leader. The senator has never publicly criticized Muhanda, despite the woman representative blaming her for the woes afflicting her office, where several self-help groups have accused her workers of demanding kickbacks before issuing loans.
