Women governors played an important role in the recent by-elections, while Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja faced challenges in delivering results for his party.
In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga helped her party keep the Kasipul parliamentary seat by strongly supporting ODM candidate Boyd Were.
Her active presence on the ground and close engagement with voters made a clear difference, proving that committed leadership can guide a party to victory.
This success strengthened ODM’s position in the region and showed that Wanga’s political reach continues to grow.
In Embu, Governor Cecily Mbarire also delivered a key win for her party. She stood firmly behind UDA candidate Leo Wamuthende in the Mbeere North parliamentary race.
Together with other national figures who campaigned in the area, Mbarire ensured the UDA candidate secured the seat. The win brought pride to the party and highlighted the growing impact of women leaders in delivering results in competitive political spaces.
Both Wanga and Mbarire demonstrated that women governors can influence voters, mobilize communities, and help their parties secure important parliamentary seats.
The situation was different in Nairobi, where Governor Sakaja could not deliver a single MCA seat for UDA in the Kariobangi North ward by-election.
Despite his support for the candidate, the seat went to David Wanyoike Warui of the Democracy for the Citizens Party. This unexpected loss raised questions about Sakaja’s influence in urban areas, suggesting that even prominent leaders face challenges when local issues and voter preferences outweigh party loyalty.
The by-elections reflected a mix of victories and setbacks for major political parties. UDA managed to win a senate seat, three MP positions, and several MCA seats, while ODM secured three parliamentary seats.
Smaller parties like DCP and United Progressive Alliance also made gains, showing that voters are willing to consider alternatives if local leadership promises practical solutions.
