Mary Ojode, widow of former Assistant Minister for Internal Security Orwa Ojode, has joined the race to succeed Gladys Wanga in the Homa Bay Woman Rep race.
Wanga announced she will not be defending her seat. She is eyeing the governor position.
Mary has intensified her campaigns as she sells her agenda to the people.
She spoke in Ndhiwa on Saturday.
Mary has anchored her politics on development, saying she will work as hard as her late husband.
“My leadership would be transformative and women, youths and people with special interest will realise their economic dreams,” Mary said.
Mary said her leadership would be guided by principles of integrity.
She asked residents especially women not to gamble with leaders who will abandon them along the way.
“We’ll establish a special fund to help in housing widows and elderly persons. Please let us vote for a development oriented person,” she said.
Mary surprised mourners at a funeral in Ndhiwa when she asked residents not to vote for unmarried women.
She said an unmarried woman can't deliver development to residents should she get married in a different county while in office.
“Komni dhako emabede ok nyako.”
Loosely translated as “the seat belongs to a woman not a girl."
The race has attracted eight other aspirants.
The aspirants are former Homa Bay executive member for energy Beatrice Ogolla, former Kisumu executive member for roads Joyce Osogo and former Homa Bay Public Service Board member Florence Ouma.
Others are Lavender Ojala, Tabitha Nyandiek, Moline Ngala and Sheryl Ayieko.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
