Mary Lusike….Photo/IP
By Godfrey Wamalwa
Sithikho Ward in Webuye West Constituency is shaping up for a heated political contest following the entry of newcomer Mary Lusike into the Member of County Assembly (MCA) race.
Lusike, who is seeking to succeed incumbent MCA Grace Sundukwa, has made a dramatic debut that is already sending ripples across the ward’s political landscape.
Sundukwa is expected to vacate the seat as she eyes the Bungoma Woman Representative position, opening the door for new political actors to battle for her succession.
Since declaring her interest, Lusike has embarked on an aggressive grassroots campaign, traversing villages across Sitikho Ward and positioning herself as a people-first leader.
Her entry into the race has been marked not just by political messaging, but by visible humanitarian and community-based initiatives that have quickly earned her recognition among residents.
The aspirant has been actively involved in supporting vulnerable families through humanitarian activities, while also using sports as a unifying tool to engage the youth.
Community sporting events sponsored under her watch have attracted large crowds, with many residents viewing the approach as a practical way of addressing youth empowerment and social cohesion in the ward.
Political observers note that Lusike’s strategy mirrors a growing trend where aspirants seek to blend service delivery with political mobilisation, long before the official campaign period begins.
Her hands-on engagement on the ground has helped her connect with voters at a personal level, especially women and young people who form a significant voting bloc in Sithikho.
Residents interviewed described Lusike as approachable and in touch with the everyday challenges facing the ward, including unemployment, poverty and limited opportunities for young people.
Her frequent presence in community activities has fueled speculation that she could emerge as a serious contender in the race.
With the contest still in its early stages, Lusike’s entry adds a new dynamic to what is expected to be a competitive MCA race.
As Sithikho Ward prepares for the post-Sundukwa era, all eyes will be on whether the new entrant can translate her humanitarian and sporting initiatives into political capital at the ballot.
The race is expected to attract more aspirants in the coming months, setting the stage for a closely watched political showdown in Webuye West Constituency.
