Malala Urges Inclusivity in Kakamega Woman Rep's Projects

Kakamega, Kenya – Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala has publicly challenged Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, asserting that her development initiatives disproportionately focus on women and girls while neglecting the male population. Speaking in Kisia East on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, after accompanying a DCP candidate cleared for the Kisia Ward by-election, Malala emphasised that a Woman Representative's mandate extends to all constituents, regardless of gender.

Malala stated, “Ukishapata kiti cha woman rep, kazi yako si kusaidia wamama pekee yake; kazi yako ni kudaidia watu ambao walikupigia kura. Sisi tulipigia mama Elsie kura, lakini yeye anachagua wamama na wasichana wachache ambao anasaidia; amesahau wale wamama wenye wana shida kabisa; amesahau wanaume. Elsie, you are not elected with women alone; you are also elected with men and boys. As you empower the girl child, also empower the boy child.” This translates to: “Once you get the Woman Rep seat, your job is not only to help women; your job is to help the people who voted for you. We voted for Mama Elsie, but she chooses a few women and girls to help; she has forgotten the women who are truly struggling; she has forgotten the men. Elsie, you were not elected by women alone; you were also elected by men and boys. As you empower the girl child, also empower the boy child.”

Historical and Political Context of the Woman Representative Role

The role of the County Woman Representative was established by the 2010 Constitution of Kenya to enhance female representation in Parliament. These representatives serve in the National Assembly alongside constituency-elected members and nominated members. While the position aims to promote the interests of women and the girl child, Woman Representatives are elected by all registered voters in their respective counties.

Woman Representatives are mandated to legislate, represent their constituents, and provide oversight of the government. They are also allocated the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund, similar to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to implement projects within their counties.

Elsie Muhanda's Tenure and Projects

Elsie Muhanda, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has served as the Kakamega Woman Representative since 2017. Her initiatives have reportedly focused on empowering women, youth, and other special interest groups. Key areas of her work have included combating gender-based violence and early pregnancies, distributing sanitary pads in public schools, securing housing for vulnerable groups such as widows and widowers, and providing farm inputs to over 400 families to address food security. Muhanda has also highlighted her efforts in water provision, specifically the installation of 60 boreholes across Kakamega County.

Upcoming By-election and Political Landscape

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled several by-elections for Thursday, November 27, 2025, including the Kisia Ward by-election in Kakamega County. The campaign period for these by-elections commenced on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and will conclude on Monday, November 24, 2025.

Cleophas Malala, formerly the Senator for Kakamega County and immediate past Secretary-General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, now serves as the Deputy Party Leader of the Democratic for Citizens Party (DCP). His active involvement in the Kisia Ward by-election underscores the competitive political environment in the region.

Evidence/Data Box

• Woman Representative Role: Established by the 2010 Kenyan Constitution to increase female parliamentary representation.
• Electoral Mandate: Elected by all registered voters in a county, not exclusively women.
• Funding: Utilises the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund for county projects.
• Kisia Ward By-election: Scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025.
• Campaign Period: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, to Monday, November 24, 2025.

Unanswered Questions and Uncertainties

While Malala's remarks highlight a call for broader gender inclusivity, the specific details of Elsie Muhanda's projects and their direct impact on men and boys remain a subject of public discussion. The extent to which her current initiatives indirectly benefit men, for instance through improved community resources or household stability, is not explicitly detailed in the available information. Further clarification on the allocation of the Affirmative Action Social Development Fund and its beneficiaries could provide a more comprehensive understanding.

What to Watch

The upcoming Kisia Ward by-election will be a key indicator of political dynamics in Kakamega County. Observers will be watching to see how the debate on gender inclusivity in development projects influences voter sentiment and whether other political figures will echo or counter Malala's assertions. The response from Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda regarding these criticisms will also be significant.