Kimilili constituency Parliamentary hopeful Masinde Nguti
By Godfrey Wamalwa
The race to succeed Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa is gathering momentum, with philanthropist and parliamentary aspirant Masinde Nguti emerging as a formidable contender.
Barasa has declared interest in the Bungoma gubernatorial race, leaving the Kimilili seat open for new leadership.
Nguti, who entered the Kimilili political scene two years ago has used the period to entrench himself among residents through a series of community-driven projects.
From education bursaries and school renovations to youth empowerment programs and health initiatives, he has positioned himself not only as a philanthropist but also as a leader with a development record to campaign on.
Speaking to this writer on phone, Nguti said his candidacy is built on continuity of service and empowerment.
“Leadership is about impact, not promises. For the past two years, I have walked with the people of Kimilili, initiating projects that touch on education, healthcare, and livelihoods. My focus is to scale these efforts with the full mandate of the people,” he said.
His manifesto focuses on four main pillars: education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment.
He has pledged to expand bursary programs, lobby for more teachers and improve school infrastructure.
On healthcare, Nguti said he would push for more health centers and ensure facilities are adequately stocked and staffed.
Agriculture, the constituency’s backbone, remains central to his agenda.
Nguti has promised to equip farmers with modern tools, provide training and open up new markets.
“Our farmers deserve more than rhetoric,they deserve real support that translates into better income,” he noted.
For the youth, Nguti pledged to intensify empowerment programs such as vocational training, mentorship initiatives and startup capital for small businesses.
He argued that empowering young people is the surest way of addressing unemployment and crime.
Nguti’s early entry into the race has already altered Kimilili’s political arithmetic.
Observers say his two years of groundwork and philanthropic track record give him a strong base compared to late entrants.
However, rivals have dismissed his projects as “campaign stunts,” insisting that Kimilili needs broader political experience at the national level.
With Barasa focused on the Bungoma governorship, the battle for Kimilili is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the county.
For Nguti, the next few months will test whether his two-year investment in grassroots empowerment can propel him to victory.
