This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
Published on September 28, 2019, Kakamega woman representative Elsie Muhanda is making a significant move by aligning herself with William Ruto's Tanga Tanga faction.
According to sources, Muhanda has been secretly courting Ruto, but her recent actions suggest she is now openly embracing the deputy president's team. Her close associates have been posting photos of her with Ruto, indicating a significant shift in her political stance.
The move has sparked resistance within her Orange Democratic Movement party, with nominated senator Naomi Shiyonga declaring her intention to contest the woman representative position. Shiyonga fears that Muhanda's dwindling support and allegations of corruption against her staff may cost her the primaries.
Shiyonga's deep pockets and influence within the party make her a front-runner in the race, which has seen several candidates declare interest, including Khadija Nganyi, who was recently arrested for conning women's groups. Gender chief adviser in the office of the governor of Kakamega, Peninah Mukabane, has also indicated her intention to vie for the position.
A source close to Ruto's team revealed that the deputy president parted with millions of shillings to sponsor the Embrace function held at Bukhungu Stadium, where Muhanda was in attendance. The event was also attended by Cotu secretary Francis Atwoli, who has publicly expressed his opposition to Ruto's presidential ambitions.
