At 81 years, Karachuonyo legislator Adipo Okuome became the oldest Member of Parliament (MP) in Kenya when he finally won the seat during the 2017 general election having perennially lost it since the 1980s.
But now, the challenge lies ahead. Will he defy odds once again to win a second term during the next general elections?
The 2022 election may not favour him if his advanced age is anything to by. In the next polls, he will be 86 years old. Will he have the energy to campaign against the new breed of youthful and energetic politicians?
Again, the future of the 'oldest MP' lies in the hands of his predecessor James Rege who had beaten him two times before; in 2007 and 2013. To many, Rege who is now the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company chairman may have won last election had he not opted out of the race.
Should Rege decide to make a return into politics come the next poll, Okuome's bid to continue making more history may be dealt a blow as he will face off with his longtime political nemesis once again. And despite enjoying the advantage of incumbency, the lawmaker will go into the race as an underdog. Or will he defy all odds once again? Only time will tell.
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