“You failed the Woman Rep test in 2022" Heated Exchange Erupts as Wamalwa, Nakhumicha Fight for UDA Ticket in Trans Nzoia

The race for the Trans Nzoia governorship under the Kenya Kwanza coalition has taken a sharp turn after two aspirants publicly clashed during a consultative meeting in Saboti constituency.

Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha exchanged pointed remarks as both seek to secure the coalition’s ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The confrontation unfolded on Thursday, February 5, during a Kenya Kwanza meeting at Machewa. 

While addressing supporters, Nakhumicha, who currently serves as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, confidently laid out her leadership vision.

She told the gathering that if elected governor, she would appoint both Wamalwa and current Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau into her county cabinet.

“Once I become governor, both of you will be accommodated in my government,” she said.

Nakhumicha further argued that Trans Nzoia needed a woman governor, citing the performance of female governors elected in 2022. She also took a swipe at incumbent Governor George Natembeya, suggesting the county needed fresh leadership.

When his turn came, Wamalwa dismissed Nakhumicha’s remarks and urged her to reconsider her ambitions.

He advised her to first contest the Woman Representative seat, arguing that she lacked elective experience.

“You failed the Woman Rep test in 2022. Retake it, pass, then seek promotion,” Wamalwa said, drawing laughter and murmurs from the crowd.

Wamalwa insisted that leadership at the county level requires experience gained through elective office. 

He argued that the female governors Nakhumicha referenced had all served as MPs before becoming governors.

While Wamalwa and Bisau have openly declared their intention to contest under UDA, Nakhumicha has not formally announced the party she will use. 

She is widely believed to be aligned with Ford Kenya, a Kenya Kwanza affiliate.

All three aspirants are eyeing a chance to challenge Governor George Natembeya, who is seeking a second term.

The public fallout highlights growing tension within Kenya Kwanza as leaders jostle for dominance ahead of 2027. 

With multiple strong contenders, the coalition faces a delicate task of uniting behind a single candidate.

As the campaign season gains momentum, Trans Nzoia is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political battlegrounds in western Kenya.