The Crying Stone of Ilesi, Kakamega County. [Photo: Pinterest]
As the August 8 elections day first approaches, the race is tight in Kakakmega County, an area perceived to be an opposition stronghold.
Below is a breakdown of the aspirants, and two Sub-counties.
Kakamega Governor’s seat (aspirants)1. Wycliffe Oparanya (incumbent) - ODM 2. Dr. Boni Khalwale - Ford Kenya 3. Mabel Muruli - Jubilee4. Lawyer Michael Osundwa - ANCKakamega County Woman Rep seat (aspirants)Incumbent Rachel Ameso sought ODM ticket to be Khwisero MP, but lost. She is set to be nominated to Senate, by ODM.1. Elsie Muhanda - ODM2. Fatuma Osundwa - Ford Kenya3. Mercy Luseno - Jubilee Party4. Nancy Mudeheri - Federal Party of Kenya5. Irene Wanyonyi - Narc-Kenya
6. Lydia Pamela Inyangala 'Senje' - ANCKakamega Senator’s seat (aspirants)Dr. Boni Khalwale is the incumbent, wants to be governor.1. Seth Panyako - ODM 2. Mahiakalo Ward MCA Cleophas Malala - ANC3. Stanley Livondo - Jubilee PartyLugari Constituency (MP aspirants)1. Ayub Savula (incumbent) - ANC2. Ex-Kakamega County Chief of Staff, Nabii Nabwire - ODM3. Joseph Lunani - Ford Kenya4. Joab Kinzi - JubileeLugari Sub-county has a total of eight wards, namely; Chekalini, Kongoni, Likuyani, Lugari, Lumakanda, Mautuma, Nzoia, and Sinoko.Shinyalu Constituency (MP aspirants)1. Silverse Anami (incumbent) - he is vying as an independent candidate after losing in the April ODM primaries.2. Former MP Justus Kizito Mugali - ODMShinyalu Sub-county has six wards namely; Isukha West, Isukha East, Isukha North, Isukha South, Isukha Central and MurhandaKakamega County has 743, 746 registered voters and a total of 1,497 polling stations, according to the 2017 gazzeted list, by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).