For the people of Mayoni Ward in Matungu Constituency,the conversation about the future is increasingly becoming one of development, opportunity and leadership that understands the everyday struggles of ordinary families.
As the countdown to the 2027 General Election gathers momentum, one name attracting attention in the race for the Mayoni Ward Member of County Assembly seat is Kevin Neto, a renowned legal practitioner whose political ambition is rooted in the community where he was born and raised.
Neto has officially declared his interest in the MCA seat, setting the stage for an anticipated contest against incumbent Fredrick Washika Watitwa, who was elected in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.
For Neto, the decision to seek elective office is more than a political ambition. He says it is an opportunity to give back to the community, champion the interests of residents and help address development challenges that have continued to affect households across the ward.
His candidature is drawing interest partly because of his professional background in the legal fraternity, his longstanding relationships with residents and his engagement with community initiatives, particularly those touching on women and young people.
Supporters describe him as a familiar face in grassroots circles, pointing to his years of interaction with residents and involvement in charitable activities as part of his connection with the community.
“One of the things that stands out about Neto is his relationship with ordinary people. He has maintained close contact with women and young people and has supported community initiatives over the years. People know him beyond politics,” says Mr Okoyana.
A vision anchored on development
At the heart of Neto’s political message is a promise to place development and the welfare of residents at the centre of representation.
From rural access roads to clean water, education and healthcare, he says Mayoni deserves focused attention and a leadership approach that gives every section of the ward a sense of belonging.
He has pledged to push for improved roads, expanded access to clean water, bursary support for needy learners and better-equipped dispensaries with adequate medical supplies.
He also wants the three sub-locations of Matungu, Mayoni and Imakale to receive fair attention in development planning, insisting that no community should feel forgotten.
“I know what ails this ward because I was born and raised here. I understand the challenges our people face, and I believe the time has come for leadership that listens, engages and works towards practical solutions. Every sub-location deserves attention and development,” Neto says.
His message comes against the backdrop of concerns raised by residents over the state of local infrastructure, including the condition of Matungu and Mayoni markets.
For many families, better roads mean easier access to markets, schools and health facilities. Clean water means healthier households, while education support can give children from struggling families a fairer chance at a brighter future.
These are among the issues Neto says he intends to champion if elected.
Experience, networks and community connections
Beyond his development agenda, Neto’s supporters believe his experience in the legal profession and relationships with elected leaders across Kakamega County could offer him opportunities to articulate Mayoni’s interests in wider development discussions.
Francis Wakola, a resident of Matungu, says the next MCA should be someone capable of engaging other leaders and making a strong case for the ward’s development needs.
“We want a representative who can sit with other leaders, articulate the needs of the people and bargain for meaningful development. Our ward needs someone who will consistently speak for the residents,” Wakola says.
Neto’s supporters also point to his grassroots networks, claiming that he has established connections in several parts of the ward.
Mayoni has 11 polling stations, and his allies believe his community relationships could play a significant role as the political contest unfolds.
However, the strength of every aspirant’s support will ultimately be determined by the residents when they make their choices at the ballot.
A defining conversation for Mayoni
With Watitwa reportedly eyeing a possible parliamentary bid in Matungu Constituency in 2027, the political landscape in the ward could experience further changes as more aspirants assess their chances.
But beyond political ambitions and individual interests, the bigger question facing Mayoni is what kind of representation residents want in the coming years.
Neto is placing his professional experience, community roots and development agenda at the centre of that conversation.
His message is anchored on a simple aspiration: a Mayoni where roads connect communities, clean water is accessible, needy learners receive educational support, healthcare facilities are better equipped and all three sub-locations have a voice in development matters.
For a man who grew up in the ward and now seeks to represent it, the 2027 contest offers an opportunity to turn his understanding of local challenges into a public leadership agenda.
As the race takes shape, Mayoni residents will have an opportunity to examine the promises, experience, track records and development plans of those seeking their mandate.
And for Kevin Neto, the journey towards 2027 is about making his case for a future in which the people of Mayoni feel heard, represented and included in the development of their ward.
