A group of women Members of Parliament has rallied behind Kisii County Woman Representative Donya Dorice Aburi in her bid to unseat incumbent Bonchari MP Charles Onchonke in the 2027 General Election.
Aburi hosted the empowerment event under the UDA-ODM broad-based government partnership, bringing together several women representatives, political leaders and supporters who used the occasion to endorse her candidature and drum up support for the broad-based government.
The Bonchari parliamentary contest is already shaping up as a closely watched race, with Onchonke seeking to defend his seat.
Onchonke, who was elected on the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Party ticket, also serves as the party’s Deputy Party Leader. UPA is led by Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo.
Other names linked to the race include the Jubilee Party, long-serving city lawyer Cliff Ombeta, Jonah Onkendi and Douglas Ogari, alongside several other aspirants expected to battle for the seat in 2027.
The growing list of contenders sets the stage for a competitive contest in which Aburi is seeking to become the first elected woman MP for Bonchari.
Speaking during the empowerment event, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto urged Bonchari residents to support Aburi, saying she would champion their interests.
"Let's support Donya to champion the rights of the people of Bonchari," Toto said.
Toto also called on former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to join the William Ruto-Raila Odinga-led broad-based government arrangement.
"If you want Matiang'i to be the president, we want him to join the UDA/ODM brigade. We need him in the government," she said.
ODM nominated MP and Nyamira County Woman Representative aspirant Irene Mayaka said the Gusii region had an opportunity to demonstrate that women could win elective seats traditionally dominated by men.
"Donya will make history in this Gusii region, and she will be the MP in Bonchari as the first elected Woman MP in the Gusii region as the MP," Mayaka said.
Migori County MP Fatuma Zainab called for political tolerance and peace, saying Kenya should reject tribal politics and divisive campaigns.
"This is a country which should not entertain tribal talks. We should preach peace, and it's not a time to advocate for political differences," she remarked.
Aldai MP Marianne Keitany, who was elected in 2022 after defeating male competitors, challenged Bonchari residents to make a similar political statement by electing Aburi.
"I was elected into office after I had beaten men in that race. Bonchari, it's a time to make a difference by electing the woman."
Keitany also drummed up support for President William Ruto, saying he should be given another opportunity to complete programmes and projects already in the pipeline.
Narok County MP Rebecca Tonkei said Aburi had demonstrated resilience and commitment to public service and deserved the support of Bonchari residents.
"This woman deserves to be the MP. She has shown resilience, hard work, and she deserves to serve this Bonchari Constituency, and we plead with you Boncharians to support her bid and make her the MP," Tonkei said.
Turkana County MP Cecilia Asinyen said the empowerment of women and young people remained critical to the country's development.
"We have decided to assist ourselves; we have decided to uplift the lives of women and young men to stand up," she added.
She said Turkana residents had experienced marginalisation for many years but credited President Ruto with giving the community a greater sense of inclusion in national affairs.
"Ruto has done a marvelous work as the president and we request the Gusii region to stand firm and strong to change the country."
The Nandi County MP and Nandi County gubernatorial hopeful also criticised the opposition while urging women not to be intimidated by political rivals.
"We should not fear Rigathi Gachagua. We shall teach him a lesson when time comes. Let not anybody scare you that woman cannot win anything in this nation."
She added, "Women are the pillar of this country and we remain in the government to people without fear or favour."
The endorsements have given Aburi an early boost as she seeks to mount a serious challenge for the Bonchari seat, but she faces a crowded field that includes the incumbent Onchonke and several other aspirants.
With Onchonke defending his position and multiple candidates already positioning themselves for the race, the 2027 contest is expected to be fiercely fought, with party nominations, alliances and the question of whether Bonchari is ready to elect its first woman MP likely to shape the campaign.
For Aburi, the backing from fellow women MPs provides an important political platform as she seeks to turn her countywide profile into support at constituency level.
For her rivals, however, the endorsements signal that the race is already gathering momentum more than a year before Kenyans head to the polls.