By SHAABAN MAKOKHA
February 25, 2026|Senior citizens in Mayoni ward, Matungu constituency, have thrown their weight behind Fredrick Watitwa, endorsing him to contest for the Matungu parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
The elders bestowed their blessings upon the Mayoni ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA) during an exclusive “elders only” meeting held at his home in Emanani village, marking his formal ascent up the political ladder.
The blessing of aspirants by community elders represents a deeply entrenched cultural and political tradition in Kenya, often heralding the commencement of serious campaign preparations. As the country gears toward the 2027 elections, such endorsements have begun proliferating across various political seats, strategically designed to consolidate community support, confer legitimacy, and provide candidates with a competitive advantage over their rivals.
Many of these endorsements are anchored in pledges of development, alignment with government agendas, and the continuation of legacy projects.
During the gathering, Mr Watitwa engaged the elderly population of Mayoni ward in candid discussions about challenges facing both their demographic and Matungu constituency at large.
“We have been in constant consultation with elders from other wards across the constituency, and they have assured us that Watitwa is the ultimate candidate to unseat the incumbent, Peter Nabulindo,” stated Mr Ibrahim Kong’ani.
Retired teacher Mr Martin Okuomi advised Watitwa to refrain from trading insults with his political adversaries and instead maintain focus on the ultimate prize.
“You have embarked on a journey fraught with political obstacles. Do not allow distractions; concentrate on the definitive goal,” Okuomi cautioned. He emphasized that the elders’ endorsement signified their trust and confidence in Watitwa, noting they were selecting a leader for generations to come.
Okuomi urged the region to awaken from its slumber, asserting that the elders had spoken and provided clear political direction. “People are hungry for change. In him, we have identified a leader for the future, even when we shall no longer be here. We want someone who will be our employee, not our boss,” he explained.
Mr Issa Wesonga hailed Watitwa as a true embodiment of President William Ruto’s “bottom-up” economic philosophy. “We have witnessed your accomplishments at the ward level and remain convinced of your leadership capabilities. Ascend the ladder so that the people of Matungu may finally enjoy the development they have long desired,” Wesonga remarked.
Watitwa described the elders’ endorsement as a significant statement and gesture for his political career. He declared his parliamentary bid unstoppable, promising to directly engage with voters until he achieves his aspirations.
“This marks the first time I am publicly announcing my intention to contest for the parliamentary seat. I am sending you forth to ask all Matungu residents to accompany me on this journey,” he announced.
He pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns devoid of violence. “I will consistently avoid all traps of violence because I recognize that this is where my opponents thrive. Should I engage in chaotic campaigns, they will confuse my course and divert my focus from the prize,” Watitwa affirmed.
Watitwa intends to leverage projects he initiated in Mayoni ward—particularly enhanced health services, support for educational programs, and economic and social empowerment initiatives—as his scorecard to propel his parliamentary ambitions.
However, the endorsement has generated friction, with critics arguing it undermines democratic processes, given that elders from Mayoni ward cannot represent the entire constituency’s voice.
Allies of incumbent MP Peter Nabulindo dismissed the endorsement, contending that Watitwa was abandoning his responsibilities to Mayoni ward residents prematurely. “He is concentrating on parliamentary campaigns, which are not yet ripe, yet he was elected to serve the people of Mayoni ward. As residents, we are experiencing a leadership vacuum,” protested Mr Suleiman Bwire.
Mr Dickson Wanzala urged Watitwa to shelve his parliamentary ambitions and focus on serving Mayoni ward. “We request him to allow the current MP, who is performing credibly, adequate time to serve. He has streamlined bursary distribution, maintained roads, and improved school facilities—he should not be distracted from serving Matungu people,” Wanzala argued. He further cautioned that should Watitwa face defeat, he risked losing the respect earned as Mayoni MCA.
Despite securing elders’ endorsement, Watitwa’s ambitions may be complicated by deep-seated socio-cultural factors that traditionally shape voter choices in Matungu. The incumbent MP, Mr Nabulindo, benefits from belonging to the Abashitsetse clan, which commands approximately 70 percent of the voting population, providing him with a solid, organically cohesive support base. Watitwa, by contrast, hails from the minority Abawinyi clan.
Since 2017, the Abashitsetse clan has consistently ring-fenced its vote-rich demographic, ensuring electoral victory for its preferred candidates—a political reality that could significantly impact Watitwa’s parliamentary aspirations.
