Kilimo's Political Comeback and UDA Alignment

Former Cabinet Minister Linah Jebii Kilimo, a veteran politician known as the 'Mother of Peace,' officially announced her return to elective politics on Monday, October 13, 2025, joining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. Kilimo declared her intention to contest the Marakwet East parliamentary seat, a position she previously held for two terms from 2002 to 2013.

Her decision to join UDA, the current ruling party in Kenya, was welcomed by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar. Kilimo expressed her desire to be part of a team focused on national unity and delivering results, aligning her vision with the current administration's efforts to restore peace in the volatile Kerio Valley.

Historical Context and Peace Efforts

Linah Jebii Kilimo has a long-standing political career, first elected as the Member of Parliament for Marakwet East in 2002 on a National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ticket. She successfully defended her seat in 2007 under the Kenya National Democratic Alliance (KENDA) party. During her tenure, she served as Minister of State in the Office of the President (2003-2004), Minister of Immigration (2004-2005), and Assistant Minister for Cooperative Development (2008-2013).

Kilimo is widely recognized for her significant contributions to peace efforts in the Kerio Valley, a region historically plagued by banditry and cattle rustling. She is credited with brokering the Marakwet-Pokot peace deal, known as the Kolowa Declaration, which brought a decade of calm to the area between 2002 and 2012. Her influence also extended to infrastructure development, including the construction of the first tarmac road in Marakwet.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Beyond her parliamentary roles, Kilimo has been a prominent advocate against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). She championed the Anti-FGM Bill, drafted by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), which was enacted into law as the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2011. Following the 2013 elections, she was appointed as the first chairperson of the Anti-FGM Board and later served as a Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) during President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Kilimo's return to politics has been met with anticipation, particularly among her supporters who have reportedly pressured her to declare interest in the Marakwet East seat. Her focus on completing development plans initiated during her previous terms and her commitment to peace in the Kerio Valley resonate with local constituents.

Evidence and Data

• Marakwet East Constituency Registered Voters: 43,672 (as of June 2025, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission).
• Marakwet East Constituency Area: 784.3 square kilometers.
• UDA Party Formation: Officially changed its name to United Democratic Alliance in December 2020.
• Kilimo's Parliamentary Terms: 2002-2013 (two terms).

Risks and Implications

Kilimo's entry into the Marakwet East parliamentary race on a UDA ticket sets the stage for a potentially competitive contest. The incumbent MP, David Kangogo Bowen, is currently serving his third term under the UDA banner. Her alignment with the ruling party could provide significant backing, but also places her within the complexities of party primaries and local political dynamics.

Timeline and Next Steps

The next Kenyan general election is currently scheduled for August 2027, although there have been legal petitions arguing for an August 2026 date. Kilimo's declaration marks an early start to her campaign for the Marakwet East seat, allowing her time to consolidate support and articulate her agenda ahead of the UDA party primaries and the general election.

What to Watch

Observers will be keenly watching how Kilimo's candidacy impacts the political landscape in Elgeyo Marakwet County, particularly within the UDA party. Her focus on peace and development in the Kerio Valley will likely be central to her campaign, and her ability to mobilize support will be a key factor in the upcoming elections.