Barely a year to the 2027 General Election, the race for the Mumias West parliamentary seat is gaining momentum, attracting several high-profile contenders in what is shaping up to be one of Kakamega County’s most competitive political contests.
The latest entrant is lawyer and corporate legal practitioner Michael Osundwa, a seasoned politician whose entry has sparked fresh political debate across the constituency.
Osundwa is no stranger to Kakamega politics. He rose to prominence during the 2017band 2022 General Election when he unsuccessfully vied for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat on the former ANC party ticket. Since then, he has remained visible in public affairs through philanthropy and community engagement.
Political observers aver that his entry has significantly altered the dynamics of the Mumias West race. His supporters point to his extensive grassroots networks, financial strength, and popularity across the constituency as factors that could make him a formidable candidate.
Mumias-based businessman Moses Netia believes Osundwa’s decision to vie for the seat reflects the wishes of many residents.
”We have been yearning for change in Mumias West, and we believe Michael Osundwa represents that change. We are ready to mobilize support to ensure he becomes our next Member of Parliament,” he said.
Netia further praised Osundwa’s philanthropic work, noting that many vulnerable families have benefited from his support during bereavement and that numerous students have received educational support through his interventions.
“He understands the challenges facing our youth and has consistently invested in education. That is the kind of leadership many people are looking for,” he added.
Pundits argue that the parliamentary seat provides Osundwa with an opportunity to leverage his political experience and countywide profile at the constituency level. They believe his candidadature is likely to intensify competition among the aspirants.
Analysts note that Osundwa enjoys support from sections of the youth, women, professionals, and business community. His political association with the Linda Mwananchi movement and his close working relationship with its principals, Senator Edwin Sifuna and Senator Godfrey Osotsi, are also viewed as factors that could influence the political landscape in Mumias West.
The constituency has already attracted a crowded field of aspirants, including Rashid Echesa, Peter Mungoma, Festo Fadamula, Brian Omondi, Cornell Oduor, and the incumbent MP Johnson Naicca, popularly known as “Mbuyu.”
As campaigns gradually gather pace ahead of 2027, political attention will be focused on whether Michael Osundwa can translate his popularity, community goodwill, and political networks into electoral success and mount a successful challenge against the incumbent in what promises to be a fiercely contested race.
