By Arnold Ageta
History was witnessed in Nyambaria village as a female political candidate stepped forward to contest the 2027 general elections for the first time.
Mary Nyakerario O’migiro has made history not only for her family but for her village as she begins her journey into a political field traditionally dominated by men.
Nyakerario, who hails from Nyambaria village in Magombo Ward, was endorsed on Sunday by her family and fellow villagers to contest the Nyamira County Women Representative seat.
She joins a growing list of aspirants, including Josephine Omanwa, Dr. Janet Kumenda, Emily Nyagarama, and Irene Mayaka.
The position has attracted significant interest as candidates seek to succeed the current Women Representative, who is expected to vacate the seat to challenge Governor Amos Nyaribo for the county’s top job.
Nyakerario, who is seeking the Jubilee Party ticket, stated that her experience in service delivery with various national and international organizations has prepared her for this role.
“I have served outside Nyamira and outside Kenya for many years, but I am coming home to serve my people and contribute to the growth of our beloved county,” she announced to the gathering at her home.
She observed that inclusive leadership is the key to progress.
“If our people are involved in decision-making through public participation, then projects will prioritize the people’s needs as opposed to decisions being imposed on them,” she added.
Drawing on her background in consultancy for women and youth empowerment, Nyakerario pledged to create sustainable income-generating opportunities in Nyamira.
Ms. Nyakerario’s manifesto places a heavy emphasis on economic self-reliance. She plans to empower women through knitting, tailoring, and other handicrafts while actively securing markets for their products.
To support the younger generation, she aims to establish information centers where youth can conduct research and work online.
Recognizing the wealth of untapped talent in the county, she also promised to create platforms that allow residents to showcase and effectively monetize their skills.
Addressing social issues, Nyakerario highlighted the plight of girls who drop out of school due to teenage pregnancies.
She promised to establish a support program to help them resume their studies or join vocational training centers for artisan courses.
Nyakerario has joined other leaders in the ‘Niko KADI’ campaign, encouraging Nyamira residents to register as voters ahead of the 2027 polls. She is particularly focused on Gen Z, whom she believes are a decisive voting bloc.
“We have acknowledged the power of Gen Z in the country’s political map. We need them to fully participate in the election process,” she noted.
On the national stage, Nyakerario pledged her support for a Fred Matiang’i presidency under the Jubilee Party. She urged the Abagusii community to unite, stating, “This is our chance to lead this country, and it will be realized if we pull together in one direction to support our candidate.”
The event concluded with Nyambaria residents and family members offering prayers and blessings to Nyakerario as she embarks on her quest to represent Nyamira County.
