In a move blending the personal with the political, former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha officially introduced her husband, Benson Milimo, to the public on Monday, setting the stage for her 2027 gubernatorial campaign in Trans Nzoia County.

The introduction, which occurred during a Christmas food distribution event at her Chebarus residence in Cherang’any, serves as a clear signal that Nakhumicha is consolidating her public profile ahead of a challenging race. It answers the crucial question for many voters: who is the family behind the leader poised to challenge the incumbent, Governor George Natembeya?

With her husband by her side, Nakhumicha formally declared her intentions. "He has given me his blessing to be the third governor of this county," she announced to the residents gathered. Milimo, an advocate of the High Court, reciprocated the endorsement, urging residents to support his wife, whom he described as a "development-conscious person."

A Strategy for the Top Seat

This public unveiling is more than a family affair; it is a strategic chess move in the burgeoning 2027 political landscape. By presenting a united family front, Nakhumicha is adhering to a well-worn script in Kenyan politics, where family stability is often projected as a prerequisite for public leadership. Her campaign, she noted, will be built on a foundation of tangible local issues.

She outlined her core priorities should she win the governorship:

• Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE)
• Vocational Training Centres (VTCs)
• Healthcare system improvements
• Agricultural development

Nakhumicha’s entry intensifies an already competitive race. She joins a field of Kenya Kwanza-allied politicians, including former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and current Kiminini MP Maurice Bisau, who are also positioning themselves to unseat Governor Natembeya.

Navigating a Complex Political Path

Her path to the governor's mansion is informed by a turbulent recent past. Appointed Health CS by President William Ruto, she was dismissed in July 2024 amid widespread anti-government protests. However, she made a swift return to public service, with the President appointing her as Kenya's Permanent Representative to the UN-Habitat in March 2025.

In recent public appearances, Nakhumicha has been critical of the current county leadership, lamenting that Trans Nzoia has lagged in development. "So far, the only projects undertaken in the county are the construction of county government offices... There have been no projects for the residents," she stated at a separate event on December 20th. This sets up a direct line of attack against Governor Natembeya, framing her campaign as a rescue mission for the common citizen.

As the political alignments in the Western region continue to shift, Nakhumicha has also publicly declared National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula as the de facto leader of the Luhya community, a move seen as an attempt to consolidate her support base. With her family's endorsement now public and her political allegiances clarified, the race for Trans Nzoia's future has officially begun.