Elsie Muhanda’s Dirty Past Taints Her Quest for Kakamega Governor Position

Kakamega County’s Women Representative, Elsie Muhanda, faces mounting scrutiny as she sets her sights on the gubernatorial seat in 2027.

Residents are questioning her qualifications, given her controversial past and lack of a clear agenda.

Instead of outlining her plans, Muhanda often finds herself fumbling for words and frequently name-dropping former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

As Muhanda boasts about her initiatives, such as helping teen mothers return to school and distributing water tanks, many residents remain skeptical.

Critics point out that she has not effectively managed her annual allocation of Sh140 million from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).

“What does she do with all that money?” residents are asking, as questions about her leadership capabilities continue to grow.

Elsie Muhanda’s Troubling Track Record

Since entering politics in 2013, when she lost the woman representative position to Rachel Ameso, controversies have marred Muhanda’s tenure.

Appointed as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Medical Services, her management of the Shamakhubu Hospital project raised red flags.

The hospital, fully funded with Sh199.14 million, remains incomplete to this day. County Assembly documents reveal that, as of June 2023, the project was only 85% complete, despite nearly all funds having been disbursed.

The delays have been attributed to design changes and mismanagement, leaving the structure without basic necessities like fencing, plumbing, and electrical installations.

Critics have noted that these failures reflect poorly on her leadership skills and commitment to public service.

After her ineffectiveness in the health sector, former Governor Oparanya transferred her to the Trade, Industrialization, and Tourism department.

Here, she claimed to have secured an investor for a tea factory project, yet the promised investor never materialized.

Instead, investigators discovered that the land purchased for the factory came from one of Muhanda’s relatives, raising further suspicions about her integrity.

Elsie Muhanda Used Questionable Campaign Tactics

Despite a lack of substantial achievements, Muhanda utilized her controversial projects to campaign for her position as woman representative in 2017.

Many have criticized her Microfinance initiative, suggesting that it primarily benefitted her friends and political allies rather than the broader community.

This manipulation of resources has led to serious questions about her integrity and commitment to her constituents.

Furthermore, her reliance on Oparanya’s endorsement has alienated her from other political leaders. One anonymous MP remarked that Muhanda has been too focused on her ties with Oparanya, behaving more like his assistant than a legislator.

This political dependency raises concerns about her ability to lead independently.

Fractured Relationships

Muhanda’s political relationships have also caused tension within Kakamega County. Reports suggest that her demand for three cabinet slots for her family members in 2022 strained her relationship with current Governor Fernandes Barasa.

This power play not only alienated her from the current administration but also disillusioned her constituents.

In 2017, protests against Muhanda and Oparanya erupted in Shinyalu, demonstrating widespread dissatisfaction.

Residents felt abandoned, leading to a notable electoral shift in 2022 when they overwhelmingly rejected Oparanya and Muhanda’s chosen candidate, opting instead for a Kenya Kwanza candidate.

Exploring Elsie Muhanda’s Road Ahead

As Muhanda prepares to vie for the gubernatorial seat, her past continues to loom large over her ambitions.

The scandals surrounding her tenure and the ongoing skepticism from her constituents could hinder her quest for leadership.

Critics argue that her inability to deliver concrete results and her reliance on political allies highlight her shortcomings.

With the 2027 gubernatorial election approaching, the question remains: Can Elsie Muhanda overcome her troubled past and earn the trust of the Kakamega electorate?

For now, her journey is fraught with challenges as she attempts to navigate the murky waters of local politics.

Conclusion

Elsie Muhanda’s aspirations for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat are clouded by her controversial past. As residents question her leadership capabilities, the political landscape remains tense.

With each passing day, the stakes grow higher, and the need for transparency and accountability becomes increasingly urgent.

Voters will ultimately decide if she can redeem herself or if her checkered history will be too great a barrier to overcome.