The Ugunja by-election is shaping up into a fierce contest dominated by seasoned male politicians. Yet standing firmly among them is Lillian Akinyi Aketch, the only woman in the race, who says she is ready to pull surprises on frontrunners Moses Omondi, Joseph Alur, and ZB Owino.
Speaking during Siaya’s premier weekly WhatsApp talk show, HARD TALK, the soft-spoken but determined candidate said she enters the race “with clean hands and a powerful will, not just to lead but to serve the people of Ugunja as they chart a new chapter in their political journey.”
Unlike her rivals who command substantial resources, Lillian admits her campaign has been modest. But she remains confident, pointing out that she starts with a strategic advantage: she is the only candidate from Sigomere Ward and the only woman in the race — factors that could tilt the scales in her favor.
Her candidacy, she emphasizes, is not a do-or-die affair.
“Whatever happens, I’ll come out stronger, better known and more experienced,” she told listeners.
Championing Education and Fairness
One of Lillian’s strongest appeals lies in her commitment to ending discrimination in bursary allocations. For years, students in Ugunja have complained of bias and favoritism in accessing education funds, with the most vulnerable often left behind.
“By voting for me, you can ensure that the most disadvantaged students receive the support they need to stay in school,” she said. “Under my leadership, the NG-CDF office will prioritize those who need it most. Let’s bring change to Ugunja.”
Her agenda also includes the construction of boreholes to tackle chronic water shortages, as well as programs to empower youth, women, and persons living with disabilities.
A Lobbyist Turned Candidate
Lillian is no stranger to the political arena. As the national chairperson of Warembo na Raila, she once led a powerful lobby group that campaigned nationwide for opposition leader Raila Odinga. She now intends to use that lobbying experience to push for more national government projects in Ugunja and greater Siaya.
Already, she has rolled out grassroots initiatives focusing on female health, a signal that her campaign is rooted in service rather than just rhetoric.
A Historic Bid
If elected, Lillian would make history as the first woman ever entrusted with parliamentary leadership in Siaya County since independence. While her male competitors dominate headlines with larger campaign machines, her rapport with voters and her message of fairness and inclusivity could yet turn the race into one of the most closely watched contests in the county.
As Ugunja, which comprises Sigomere, Sidindi, and Ugunja wards, heads to the polls, the battle lines are clear: a familiar lineup of political heavyweights versus a woman determined to prove that leadership can also wear a softer, more inclusive face.
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