Three women shake up Baringo Central MP race ahead of 2027 polls

Baringo Central constituency parliamentary seat aspirant Dr Salome Chelimo. [Courtesy]

As the 2027 succession politics intensify, the political landscape is shifting in Baringo Central with three women seeking to turn the tables in a race traditionally dominated by men.

Female aspirants who are seeking to unseat the incumbent Joshua Kandie are: Dr Milkah Toromo, Dr Salome Chelimo and Betty Birchogo.

Kandie, who trounced Sammy Mwaita in 2017, will be defending his seat for a third consecutive term on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie. [Courtesy]

The entry of female aspirants marks an historic moment for the constituency, as it is the first time Baringo Central is witnessing multiple strong female contenders in a single election cycle.

In the 2013 elections, the only notable female aspirant, Leah Manyarkiy, finished third in a race won by Mwaita (a former Commissioner of Lands).

Apart from the Woman Representative seat being held by Florence Jematiah, female participation in Baringo County politics has remained limited, making the current developments a significant shift in local politics.

Indeed, four other women have held elective seats in the past, among them: Helen Sambili (Mogotio parliamentary seat), the late Grace Kipchoim (Baringo South parliamentary seat), Grace Kiptui and Gladwel Cheruiyot (both Woman Representative seats).

With the three female contenders declaring their interest, they will face competition from over seven other male aspirants expected to be on the ballot.

The big question now remains: will Baringo Central voters break tradition and elect their first woman MP?

The aspirants have already hit the ground running and have been supporting community projects in a bid to sell their agenda to the electorate.

Dr Toromo, through the Milkah Toromo Foundation, for instance, has been carrying out women empowerment programmes across the constituency.

"Mine is to demonstrate servant leadership that goes beyond my official duties. I'm committed to empowering community institutions. Development is not only about infrastructure and policies, but also about strengthening social and spiritual pillars of society," Dr Toromo said.

The youthful Birchogo, on her part, will be banking on the youth support as she seeks to turn the tables in the vast constituency.

She’s actively positioning herself as an aspirant and engaging with constituents, including youth groups, as part of her campaign efforts.

Dr Chelimo, who recently declared her interest in the seat during a function in Kabarnet, said that the time for Baringo County residents to embrace women's leadership has come.

"We have demonstrated that we are capable of leadership just like our male counterparts. Please give us a chance this time and we will never disappoint you," Dr Chelimo said.

Kandie is, however, no pushover in the race, having done a lot in the health and education sectors across the constituency in the past 10 years

"My work is there for all to see. Mine is not about politics but service to the people, which I have demonstrated clearly since I was elected," a soft-spoken Kandie told this writer in an interview.

Just recently, Kandie presided over the launch of Sh73 million bursary disbursement at the Kabarnet Museum grounds to needy students in the constituency.

The MP has also been donating hospital equipment to various health facilities in the constituency through a partnership with foreign friends.

Established in 1966, Baringo Central Constituency is a key electoral area in Baringo County, Kenya, covering ~588.52 km² with its headquarters in Kabarnet town.

Historically significant, Baringo Central was represented by Kenya's second president, Daniel Arap Moi, from 1966 until his retirement in 2002.

With 45,017 registered voters and 140 polling stations, Baringo Central constituency was formed in 1966.

Before representing Baringo Central, Daniel arap Moi won the 1963 election for Baringo North Constituency.

The Moi Era (1966–2002): Daniel arap Moi held the seat for 36 years, including his time as Vice President and then President (1978–2002).

He was often unopposed under the KANU party banner, facing a challenge for the first time in 1997 from the late Amos Kandie.

Following Moi's retirement, his son, Gideon Moi, was elected in 2002 (unopposed), but was defeated by Sammy Mwaita in 2007.

The constituency has since been served by members such as Sammy Mwaita (ODM) and Joshua Chepyegon Kandie (UDA).