Women sharpen knives for Onchoke as Bonchari 2027 race heats up - Kahawatungu

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Bonchari MP Dr Charles Onchoke could be heading for an increasingly bruising political battle in 2027, with three women emerging as possible challengers in a contest that threatens to disrupt the constituency’s traditionally male-dominated political order.

Woman Representative Donya Toto, Bomas of Kenya director Purity Moraa Kirera and Stella Opole, daughter of former Bonchari MP Zebedeo Opore, are increasingly being mentioned as potential contenders as political activity gathers pace ahead of the next General Election.

Their possible entry has generated interest among residents who see the three women as potential vehicles for political change in a constituency where political contests have largely been dominated by men.

“We are tired of politics where the same faces dominate every election. Women have shown they can lead, and we are ready to give them an opportunity,” said Nyakundi Okeri, a barber from Nyangoge who supports the emerging bids.

Mary Lazarus, another resident, said voters should judge the potential candidates on their ideas and record rather than their gender.

“We are not supporting them merely because they are women. We want someone who will listen to residents, fight for development and account for what happens in Bonchari,” she said.

Toto’s constituency gamble

Ms Toto, who was elected Woman Representative on a Wiper Party ticket, has increasingly positioned herself within President William Ruto’s political camp and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Her experience as an elected politician could give her an advantage if she opts to move from the countywide seat to the constituency-level contest.

During a recent engagement with residents, Toto said Bonchari needed leadership that was responsive to the needs of its people.

“Bonchari deserves leadership that listens to the people and responds to their priorities,” she said.

She has also dismissed criticism that she is an outsider in Bonchari, pointing to her marriage and family ties in the area.

“No woman marries herself. The moment I joined myself as a wife to your son, I automatically became your daughter too,” she said during a meeting at a hotel in the area.

At Nyangoge, Toto defended President Ruto’s development record while arguing that Bonchari remained economically disadvantaged despite its political significance.

She said one of her objectives would be to change that narrative.

“This is a journey I will not abandon midway,” she said, signalling her intention to remain active in the constituency.

Kirera and the government connection

Kirera, meanwhile, could bring a different political proposition to the race, with her public-sector position and links to the national government likely to form part of her appeal.

She is a director at Bomas of Kenya and is understood to have supported UDA activities behind the scenes during the last elections.

“I have always believed in serving the people and contributing to the development of our community,” Kirera said.

Her supporters argue that her experience in public service and proximity to the national government could help her lobby for development projects for Bonchari.

“We have known her as disciplined and articulate. We want serious and better bargains from the national government,” said George Obote.

For Kirera, however, the challenge will be translating her public-sector profile into a grassroots political organisation capable of mounting a constituency-wide campaign.

Opole banks on political pedigree

Opole, the daughter of former Bonchari MP Zebedeo Opore, is another name generating considerable interest.

Based in Nairobi, she has recently held meetings in the constituency as she consults residents over a possible bid.

“I am consulting widely and listening to the people before making a formal decision,” she said.

Her supporters believe her family name could give her an initial political platform, although they acknowledge that she would have to establish an identity separate from that of her father.

“Her father was known in Bonchari. If Stella decides to run, she will have a name people recognise, but she must also convince us with her own agenda,” said James Nyakundi, a resident supporting her potential bid.

A complicated race for Onchoke

For Onchoke, the emergence of three possible female challengers could complicate his quest for another term.

Rather than facing a single challenger, the incumbent could find himself navigating multiple campaigns, competing political alliances and potentially fragmented opposition votes.

The eventual shape of the contest will depend heavily on party nominations, coalition arrangements and the ability of the aspirants to build grassroots networks.

The women’s possible bids also represent a broader shift in Bonchari’s political landscape, where female political participation has traditionally received less attention than male-dominated contests.

Whether Toto, Kirera and Opole eventually enter the race remains to be seen.

But their growing presence has already added a new dimension to the 2027 contest.

With alliances being negotiated and grassroots mobilisation gathering momentum, Bonchari is shaping up for a potentially competitive election in which women could finally attempt to rewrite the constituency’s political script.

Reporting originally appeared via Kahawa Tungu. Read the full source for additional context.