Nominated Senator Esther "Essy" Okenyuri has officially declared her interest in running for the Kisii County Woman Representative seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election putting to bed speculation on her next political move.
Speaking at Ogembo during President William Ruto's development tour of the region, Senator Okenyuri declared her ambition to transition into county-wide leadership, setting off early political ripples across the count.
"Because of the work I have been doing here, my people have asked to promote me, and today I have declared my bid for the Kisii County Woman Representative position," Senator Okenyuri announced to the gathering.
During her address, Okenyuri expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for nominating her to the Senate following the 2022 General Election. Since joining the House, she has combined active legislative work in Parliament with continuous grassroots engagement. Through her foundation, she has championed community development initiatives across Kisii, focusing on youth empowerment, women’s welfare, and local development projects.
The battle to succeed incumbent Woman Representative Hon. Donya Dorice Aburi is taking shape with her official entry. Hon. Aburi has since left county politics to contest the Bonchari Constituency parliamentary seat in 2027.
Okenyuri’s declaration sets up a major contest against seasoned local leaders and political heavyweights, including first Kisii Woman Reps Hon. Mary Otara and her successor Hon.Janet Ong’era. The race also includes new entrant Hon. Roseline Nyakona, among others.
Okenyuri’s entry comes against the backdrop of one of Kisii County’s most persistent political trends: voters in the county have never re-elected an incumbent Woman Representative since the establishment of the seat under the 2010 Constitution.
