Susan Nakhumicha’s eyebrow-raising comment that the Nakhumicha president seduce tactic could bring much-needed projects to Trans Nzoia County has set tongues wagging during her push to grab the governor’s seat from George Natembeya.
The former Health Cabinet Secretary, now gunning for the top job in the 2027 polls, dropped the line in a public rally, saying she’d let the president “woo” her to secure development funds. “Mimi ndio naweza tongozwa na rais, niwaletee maendeleo sio Natembeya,” she told the crowd, adding that a man can’t charm another man the way a woman can.
Her words, caught on video and spreading fast online, mix humour with a sharp dig at her rival, but they’ve also drawn fire for playing into old stereotypes about gender and power.
Nakhumicha, who stepped down from her national role to focus on local politics, made the remark while stumping in her home turf. She’s positioning herself as the link between State House and the county, promising to pull in resources that Natembeya allegedly can’t.
“Unajua mwanaume hawezi tongoza mwanaume mwenzake, anatongoza mwanamke,” she explained, suggesting women like her can tie a leso and march to the president for help.
“Mwanamke ukijifunga leso uende kwa Rais Statehouse atakusaidia. Ule mtu anaweza funga leso aende kwa Rais aseme kuna shida na asaidiwe ni mumama sio mwanaume.” It’s a colorful way to say she’d use her charm to get things done, but critics call it outdated thinking that puts looks over leadership.
The statement came out when her candidacy was gaining momentum. Videos from rallies show people applauding her on, and her supporters call her the “political bridge” to President William Ruto’s government. She has been working hard, going to towns and promising better roads, health centers, and jobs.
Her campaign gained momentum after Ruto complimented her efforts in previous roles, and local groups have rallied behind her as a new face against Natembeya’s incumbency.
Nakhumicha is 43 years old and has experience as Health CS, where she dealt with large problems like strikes by doctors and immunisation drives. Now, she’s turning that national know-how toward county problems like poor farming yields and youth unemployment.
Natembeya, the sitting governor, hasn’t taken the jab lying down. His team dismissed it as desperate talk from someone without real plans. “We’re focused on delivery, not drama,” a close aide said in a quick chat over the phone.
Natembeya, a former Rift Valley security boss, won big in 2022 on promises of tough governance. He’s pushed projects like water schemes and school upgrades, but faces gripes over slow progress in some areas. The race heats up early, with other names like Chris Wamalwa floating around, but it’s shaping up as a head-to-head between these two.
Social media exploded right after the clip dropped. On X and Facebook, posts range from laughs to outrage. One user quipped, “So development comes with flirting now?” while another backed her: “She’s just being real about how politics works here.”
Women’s groups weighed in too, worried her words downplay hard work for favour-seeking. “We need leaders who fight for rights, not charm their way,” one activist posted. But in Trans Nzoia markets, some women nod along. “If it brings roads and schools, why not?” a vendor told me while sorting maize.
This isn’t Nakhumicha’s first brush with controversy. During her health stint, she faced heat over hospital funding delays. Now, as “Ambassador Susan” – a nod to her diplomatic flair – she’s rebuilding her image as a doer.
Supporters point to her integrity and push for progress. “Leadership. Integrity. Development. That’s Dr. Susan Nakhumicha,” reads one campaign slogan making rounds online. She’s held town halls and church visits, stressing unity and service.
Natembeya’s camp sees it differently. They’ve highlighted his record, like endorsing local talents and transforming the county. “We’ve got the experience,” he said in a recent speech. The feud adds spice to what could be a tight contest.
Trans Nzoia, a farming hub with diverse tribes, votes on bread-and-butter issues like land and markets. Whoever wins needs to bridge divides, something both claim they can do.
As campaigns ramp up, Nakhumicha’s quip might haunt or help her. It puts gender front and center in a male-heavy field. For voters, it’s about who delivers – charm or not. In Kitale streets, people chat about it over chai. “She’s got guts,” one farmer said. Another shrugged: “Talk is cheap; show us the work.”
This race tells a bigger story about Kenyan politics – personal digs, gender plays, and the hunt for national backing. Out here, elections feel personal. Families debate candidates like old friends. Nakhumicha’s betting her style wins hearts – and votes.
