The year 2022 saw a number of new political entrants make an upsetting debut on the scene, at various stages of the plebiscite.
The fresh political blood shook and scared veterans, some of who lost to young people who either lacked or had very little experience.
If we may not say with Thomas Hardy, “Think how the mighty are fallen,” could we at least say, “Think how the mighty are falling?”
While the political behemoth of 2022 is shrinking and shriveling under the weight of a crowded space with little unlimited possibilities, the old breed of national and local leaders are obviously nibbling at the bread of sorrow and sipping wormwood and waters of affliction as young turks replace the too familiar faces.
Linet Chepkorir - Toto
Linet Chepkorir popularly known as Toto is the current Bomet Woman Representative.
Toto made headlines in April 2022 when she clinched the United Democratic (UDA) party ticket, trouncing her opponents by 53,934 votes.
The 24-year-old’s win at the general election took the nation by storm after she garnered 242,775 votes.
The youngest member of the 13th Parliament of Kenya intimated that she did not have a car to campaign and often traversed the Rift Valley county on a motorcycle.
Her rise was often used by President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua who stated that she was a demonstration of their hustler narrative.
“I came with one of the miracles in our country, a little young girl, 24 years old, and was elected as the Woman Rep of Bomet county defeating a mature experienced Woman,” Gachagua stated during a conference in Rwanda.
The third-born to Leonard Lang’at and Betty Lang’at in Chemomul, Bomet County, went to Kapsimbiri Elementary School, where she sat for her KCPE and later on joined Kapsimbiri Secondary School before transferring to Siwot Secondary for her secondary education.
Toto later enrolled at the University of Nairobi (UON) in 2018-2019, but later transferred to Chuka University where she graduated in April 2021.
Winnie Odinga
The Election of Winnie Odinga to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in October 2022, has thrust her into active politics.
"I am here to lobby for the position of MP for EALA. I have been here for the past two days and I have met with members for the two sides," Winnie stated.
Winnie, the last-born daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was propelled by the currents of her family’s privileges that effectively placed her at the heart of her father’s succession in Luo Nyanza politics.
The EALA elections were Winnie’s political litmus test as she took the first step into an elective exercise, at a time when the political future of her father remains a subject of discussion.
Winnie’s election was a deliberate effort by her party to start grooming to take over the mantle, so experts insinuate.
In a televised interview, Winnie sought to address the perception that she is divisive, arrogant, and protective of her father.
“It is apparent that he is making Winnie his heir apparent by giving her exposure through the EALA platform. She is being prepared to be accepted by the Luo support base.” political analyst Macharia Munene stated.
Peter Salasya
Mumia East Member of Parliament beat all odds to clinch in the August 9 polls after he was elected to the August house
Salasya vied on a Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) ticket.
His story went viral having clinched the seat without having a house and a car. Notably, his constituents helped him put up a semi-permanent house after the polls.
He also made headlines revealing that he only had Ksh500 with him when he went to parliament to be sworn in.
“I can’t believe that I am now headed to Nairobi to represent the people of Mumias East as their next MP.
“My opponents called me names and claimed I was a madman because I was campaigning on foot for lack of a vehicle," he stated then.
Since his election, he had been constantly the new cycles being vocal about his experience and on national issues
Salasya has since bought a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 for himself.
