This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
Busia women representative Florence Mutua is making waves in the male-dominated race to succeed Governor Sospeter Ojaamong. Her popularity is reportedly boosted by speculations that opposition leader Raila Odinga may endorse her for the gubernatorial seat in 2022.
As a key ally of Raila Odinga, Mutua's chances of winning the seat have increased significantly. Raila's potential endorsement is seen as a major boost to her campaign, making things worse for her male competitors.
According to Manyora, a linguistics lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Mutua is a strong contender for the governorship. 'Yes, @florence-mutua is running for governor, Busia in 2022. And she's winning', Manyora predicted.
Raila Odinga has been championing for women's agenda, and a number of women leaders have rallied behind him and the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) project. The BBI proposes more seats for women, which has further increased Mutua's chances of winning.
Mutua, a staunch Raila supporter, believes that Odinga deserves a stab at the presidency before backing a candidate from Western in 2022. She asked, 'My question is…why can't all endorse Raila and fully support him from their perceived bases?'
She also stated, 'Raila will endorse them in 2022 and then bless them with his voters.'
