Former Health Cabinet Secretary and Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Susan Nakhumicha, has received a major political boost after Ford Kenya leaders, elders and opinion shapers endorsed her as their preferred candidate for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.
The endorsement was made during a high-profile meeting at Nakhumicha’s Chebarus home in Cherangany Constituency, where leaders unveiled the Chebarus Declaration II, reaffirming support for her gubernatorial ambitions.
The declaration comes barely two weeks after women leaders, lobbyists and activists gathered at the same venue and issued the Chebarus Declaration I, which endorsed Nakhumicha’s candidature and positioned her as a key mobilizer for women seeking elective positions in the county ahead of the 2027 polls.
The latest resolution is widely seen as Ford Kenya’s strongest indication yet that the former Health CS could carry the party’s flag in the race for the county’s top seat, ahead of other aspirants including former Ford Kenya Secretary-General Dr Chris Wamalwa and Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau.
Speaking during the meeting, Ford Kenya party leader and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged leaders and residents to unite behind a candidate who remains accessible and connected to the people.
“We will go with the one we know, the one who is available now, the one who understands our language and the one who has always stood with us,” Wetang’ula said.
Several Ford Kenya leaders echoed his sentiments, arguing that Trans Nzoia requires fresh leadership to unlock its development potential.
Ford Kenya Secretary-General John Chikati called on residents to rally behind Nakhumicha, saying political divisions had denied the county key development opportunities.
“You people of Trans Nzoia have suffered because of poor politics. You need to speak with one voice and support this woman to become your governor,” Chikati said.
Bungoma Senator David Wakoli urged elders to remain committed to the resolution endorsing Nakhumicha, while MP Martin Wanyonyi called on residents to demonstrate solidarity with what he described as the county’s incoming leadership.
Earlier, elders drawn from the Kikuyu, Pokot, Nandi, Turkana, Sabaot, Gusii and Luo communities dismissed claims that a woman could not successfully lead the county, citing the achievements of female governors in other parts of the country.
In her address, Nakhumicha pledged inclusive leadership and equitable service delivery if elected governor.
“As a woman and a mother, I cannot segregate anyone. I will serve all residents with passion and dedication,” she said.
Veteran lawyers Ben Milimo, urged residents to support her bid, saying her leadership would bring government closer to the people.
The meeting also attracted Principal Secretary Juma Mukwana, who praised Wetang’ula’s influence within government and expressed confidence in Nakhumicha’s chances in the 2027 race.
Wetang’ula used the occasion to criticize what he termed stalled development projects in Trans Nzoia and called for responsible leadership capable of uniting the county.
“Our goal as Ford Kenya is to bring Trans Nzoia back on track through responsible leadership. We believe Nakhumicha has the capacity to unite the people and accelerate development,” he said.
The endorsement is expected to intensify political realignments in Trans Nzoia as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, with Nakhumicha emerging as one of the leading contenders in the increasingly competitive gubernatorial race.
