Only five days remain before the campaign period ends in West Kabras, as the electorate prepares to go to the ballot to choose who will represent them in the County Assembly of Kakamega. Five candidates are battling it out, with only one set to emerge victorious. Residents of West Kabras have witnessed intensified campaigns from various aspirants. The candidate of the ruling party, Elphas Shalakha, has received massive support from high-profile leaders, like presidential aide Farouk Kibet, area MP David Ndakwa, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, and other leaders who have camped in the area to ensure they deliver victory, just as they did in the last by-election in the larger Malava constituency.

All eyes are now on the West Kabras by-election. Will the government secure a win, or will it be embarrassed as happened in Chwele Kabuchai ward where voters elected an independent candidate despite the presence and support of dignitaries such as Moses Wetang’ula, Musalia Mudavadi, Farouk Kibet, and other prominent leaders?

Bramwel Wasike Khaemba of the DCP party is considered the immediate competitor to Elphas Shalakha. Bramwel was initially a UDA candidate during the party nominations but claimed that justice was denied and later defected to DCP to pursue the seat. Since receiving clearance papers from the IEBC, he has intensified his campaigns for the MCA seat. On the ground, he is said to enjoy significant support and may attract votes based on trust.

NEDP party leader Mike Sonko has also joined the race by fielding a candidate to contest the hotly contested West Kabras seat. George Musini Mukhwana, a well-known resident, has focused his campaign on giving back to the community. He has been seen distributing books to various schools in the ward, easing the burden on parents. Mukhwana is campaigning on pillars such as education, infrastructure, and agriculture as he seeks to win the hearts of voters.

As the days draw closer to the election, many residents are hoping for a free and fair process. Some believe the government might lose due to concerns about leadership distribution within the ward. There is also a growing sentiment that the lower side of the ward has not yet tasted the benefits of leadership, and that its time has now come.

According to voter registration data, West Kabras has a total of 11,699 registered voters distributed as follows:

Bukhakunga 1,695, Bulupi 1,656, Mukongolo 1,191, Mayuge 1,126 Mutsuma 1,116,Lukume 977 Imbiakalo 885 , Burundu 725, Ingwe 694, Kamuchisu 668, Sawawa 564, Indulusia 255 ,Musidi 74, Mwikhupo 44 and Mukoko 29

The candidates in the race incude;

Edward Inzofu Indimuli (ODM), Bramwel Wasike Khaemba (DCP), Nivah Musa Khisa (DAP-K),Shivoko Masini (DNA) ,George Musini Mukhwana (NEDP),Elphas Kainanga Shalakha (UDA)

The contest now remains in the hands of the voters, who will ultimately decide who represents West Kabras in the County Assembly of Kakamega.