The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Wednesday, November 2, gazetted Okenyuri Esther Anyieni as the replacement of Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Soipan Tuya in the Senate.
The seat fell vacant following the resignation of CS Tuya before taking her oath of office.
Okenyuri was nominated by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party which had sponsored Tuya to the senate. Her name was forwarded by the President William Ruto-led party on September 30 for nomination.
Subsequently, the IEBC revised the initial Gazette notice that had published Soipan Tuya's name.
“Pursuant to the provisions of section 37 of the Elections Act, 2011 and following the appointment of Saipan Tuya as a Cabinet Secretary, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission amends Gazette Notice No. 10537 of 2022, Vol. CXXIV-No. 181 published on the 7th of September 2022 in the second Schedule," read part of the notice.
Prior to her nomination, Okenyuri was actively involved in UDA’s campaigns for Ruto’s presidential bid.
She was the founder of the Women for Ruto caucus which spearheaded the mobilization of women in support of Ruto's candidature for the top job.
She missed out on the initial list of nominations after falling off the number of nomination slots allocated to the UDA Party.
The Maasai Mara University graduate also had a stint as a researcher in the Strategy and Delivery Unit in the Office of the Deputy President between 2018 and 2021.
In addition, Okenyuri was actively involved in the party affairs of the UDA, including her role in mobilizing for registration in her home county of Kisii.
Initiation to Politics
Okenyuri's involvement in politics traces back to her days as a university student at Maasai Mara University. She served as the Vice President of the Students Organization.
In Kisii County, Okenyuri initiated activities aimed at promoting women's and youth involvement in politics. She also formed groups aimed at enhancing the access of youths to opportunities for empowerment.
In 2017, Okenyuri was lined up for a nomination slot as a member of the Kisii County Assembly. However, she missed out under unclear circumstances- prompting her to protest in court.
Okenyuri will join Karen Nyamu, Veronica Maina, Miraj Abdulrahman, Gloria Orwoba, Joyce Korir, Peris Tobiko and Maureen Mutinda as the nominated senators sponsored by UDA.
