KISUMU,July 17, 2026 -Ford Kenya women leaders from the Nyanza region are championing for transformative change as they formally launch their grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election, calling for a seismic shift in the country’s political landscape.
The women, drawn from Kisumu, HomaBay, Siaya, Migori, Vihiga, Busia, and Nandi counties, converged in Kisumu on Friday for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening the grassroot network to embrace women leadership.
Central to their agenda was an urgent push to catapult more women into elective positions, challenging the status quo that has long relegated female aspirants to the margins.
Ford Kenya Deputy Party Leader Millicent Abudho, who spearheaded the convention, made it clear that the time for half-measures was over.
“Today marks the beginning of our journey to reclaim our political space,” Abudho declared. “We are returning to our counties with a renewed sense of purpose to mobilize, recruit, and ensure that Ford Kenya women are not just participants but frontrunners in the 2027 race.”
Abudho decried the current state of political violence that has cast a shadow over Kisumu County in recent weeks.
She issued an impassioned plea to political actors to uphold peace, warning that the rising tide of intimidation was chilling the political ambitions of women.
“We cannot afford to let violence define our politics,” she stated. “Our young people need meaningful engagement, not chaos. That is why we are calling on the government to revive the Kazi Mtaani initiative to keep our youth productively occupied.”
Ford-Kenya director of Elections Khadija Mustapha echoed Abudho’s sentiments while championing for increased women leadership.
She cited Kirinyaga County where women have successfully broken the political glass ceiling, further appealing to electorates to trust female leaders.
“The evidence is undeniable, women deliver,” Mustapha asserted. “We are not asking for favors; we are demanding a level playing field where merit and service speak louder than gender.”
Mustapha also issued a firm warning against any form of violence targeting women aspirants, revealing that the party was finalizing a charter to shield candidates from harassment during nominations and elections.
She called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to step up and enforce rules that guarantee the safety of all contestants.
The leaders unanimously resolved to intensify their recruitment drives and mentorship programs, ensuring that women are not only visible but viable contenders in the upcoming polls.
