Caroline Wafula
19 November 2007
Nairobi — Women parliamentary aspirants have proved their political strength by felling political heavyweights in party primaries.
Results also indicate that the number of female aspirants contesting on various party tickets has increased, with ODM-K proving to have lived up to its promise to field the highest number of women in the December 27 General Election.
Prof Margaret Kamar clinched the ODM nomination certificate for Eldoret East parliamentary seat after trouncing outgoing MP Joseph Lagat. The former East African Legislative Assembly MP secured 9,870.
Former head of Civil Service Sally Kosgey garnered 14, 892 votes to beat her opponents in the contest for the ODM ticket for the Aldai parliamentary nomination.
In Nairobi, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus is Alive Ministries won the ODM nomination. She will face Sports minister Maina Kamanda of PNU in the General Election.
Eldoret South MP David Koros was edged out by former High School teacher Peres Sinam Chepchumba. In Sotik, Ms Lorna Chepkemoi Laboso secured the ODM flag, while former assistant minister Mwarere wa Mwachai won the party's ticket in Msambweni.
In Bobasi, Ms Jane Mokeira Ragira was nominated on a Narc ticket to wrestle with Mr Stephen Manoti of Ford People.
In Kinangop, Ms Anne Kirima, daughter of Kanu politician Gerishon Kirima, trounced outgoing MP Waithaka Mwangi alongside several other aspirants to earn the PNU certificate.
Ms Elizabeth Ongoro secured the ODM ticket in Kasarani after trouncing outgoing MP William Omondi while in Kajiado Central, Mrs Peris Tobiko won the ODM-K ticket.
Sail through
She will fight it out with Maj-Gen Joseph Nkaissery of ODM.
Former nominated MP Esther Keino was handed the ODM-Kenya ticket in Belgut after sailing through unopposed.
ODM Pentagon member Charity Ngilu will contest the Kitui Central seat on Narc ticket while Ms Esther Murugi Mathenge harvested the PNU ticket in Nyeri Town.
Ms Mercy Mwangi sailed through the ODM nomination in Gatanga.
In Lang'ata, Ms Stella Mbai clinched the ODM-K ticket, while Ms Judith Nduku Musyoka will hoist the party's flag in Mutito. In Kisauni, Ms Quinter Omolo will run on the ODM-K ticket. Outgoing Taveta MP Dr Naomi Shaban secured the Kanu ticket while Mrs Nyiva Mwendwa captured ODM-Kenya flag in Kitui West.
The PNU ticket in Kitui South went to Ms Susan Mwanzia Ngovu with Ms Ruth Njoroge reaping that of ODM in Kipiriri.
Lawyer and human rights campaigner Ann Njogu is in the race for Nairobi's Kamukunji seat a Narc ticket.
Others who secured ODM-K nominations were Dr Julia Ojiambo (Funyula), Ms Rhoda Loyor (Turkana Central), Ms Jeniffer Masis (Kwanza), Ms Mary Kimosop (Marakwet West) and Ms Alice Were in Budalang'i.
Ms Florah Tera who was assaulted in election-related violence, will fight for the North Imenti seat on an ODM-K ticket.
Ms Esther Luganje seized the party's flag in Kaloleni and Prof Norah Olembo in Emuhaya.
Former Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Zipporah Kittony won the Cherengany Kanu ticket, Mrs Linah Kilimo (Kenda), Ms Betty Maneno (Kaddu) while assistant ministers Betty Tett and Beth Mugo secured PNU tickets in Westlands and Dagoretti respectively.
Ms Martha Karua of Gichugu and Naivasha's Jayne Kihara won PNU tickets with Prof Ruth Oniang'o (Butere) and Ms Adelina Mwau in Kaiti.
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