Introduction: A Bold Declaration
In early February 2022, Lillian Mbogo, the former Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs, made headlines with her announcement to vie for the Embu Senatorial seat. Addressing the media from her rural home in Rukira village, Kithimu Manyatta Constituency, Mbogo’s declaration marked a significant moment in the political landscape of Embu County.
Related: Who is Lillian Mbogo?
A Background of Controversy and Resolve
Lillian Mbogo, known for her impactful tenure in various high-profile roles, had been a focal point in the public eye since 2018 due to her alleged involvement in the NYS scandal. Despite this, she exuded confidence in her senatorial bid, emphasizing her deep understanding of public service and financial management.
“I am confident in my ability to win the August polls,” Mbogo stated, underlining her belief that her previous experience and knowledge were assets that could drive the county forward. She refrained from discussing her ongoing court case, choosing instead to focus on her vision for Embu’s development.
Political Landscape and Aspirants
The race for the Embu Senatorial seat in 2022 was fiercely competitive, with nearly ten aspirants vying for the position. Among them were notable figures such as Alexander Mundigi, Bosco Kiura, Pithon Muchoki, and former Kamukunji MP Norman Nyaga. Notably, Governor Martin Wambora was also rumored to be interested, although he had yet to officially declare his bid.
Mbogo’s entry into the race stirred considerable interest, especially with her slogan “Mugambo wa Embu” (Voice of the Embu People), which resonated with many as a call to elevate the concerns of ordinary citizens.
Joining the Development Empowerment Party
On February 17, 2022, Mbogo further solidified her political strategy by joining the Development Empowerment Party (DEP). She was welcomed by party chairman Lenny Kivuti and deputy party leader Dorothy Nditi. Her decision to join DEP rather than align with the coalitions of President Uhuru Kenyatta or Deputy President William Ruto was a deliberate move aimed at leveraging her position to gain bargaining power for her county.
In her address, Mbogo emphasized that the focus should be on what benefits Embu County the most, rather than simply joining major political coalitions. She articulated a vision where Mt Kenya East, with its substantial voter base, could negotiate effectively with any coalition seeking support.
A Shift to the Jubilee Party
However, as the election approached, Mbogo made a strategic shift. She later decided to vie for the senatorial seat under the Jubilee Party banner. This move was driven by her desire to consolidate support and harness the party’s resources to enhance her campaign. Her transition to the Jubilee Party was aimed at leveraging its established political network and voter base in Embu County.
A Legacy of Experience
Lillian Mbogo’s career has been marked by significant achievements and contributions. Her tenure at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) involved managing substantial funds for public sector reforms, including initiatives like the Performance Contracting Programme and Huduma Centres, which have notably improved service delivery in Kenya.
Her work in the public sector, particularly in devolution and youth affairs, provided her with a unique perspective on governance. She described her role in setting up the National Youth Service as transformative, highlighting accomplishments such as increasing the number of enrollments and revamping the NYS Garment Factory.
Challenges and Resilience
Mbogo’s political journey has not been without challenges. Her exit from the position of Principal Secretary due to the NYS scandal was a significant setback. However, she likened her experience to a “Glass Cliff,” a situation where women are placed in high-risk positions under adverse conditions.
Despite these challenges, Mbogo remained resolute. She drew inspiration from the resilience required to overcome such obstacles and expressed her commitment to using her experiences to benefit the people of Embu.
Vision for Embu
Mbogo’s senatorial campaign was anchored on promises to enhance the county’s development. She proposed lobbying for increased funds to the county, promoting a “one man, one shilling” revenue-sharing formula, and sponsoring a Ward Enterprise Fund Bill to support small businesses.
Her focus on agricultural development included efforts to secure foreign markets for bananas and miraa, aiming to boost farmers’ incomes. Additionally, she promised to work with international partners to create job opportunities for the youth.
Election Outcome and Reflection
The August 2022 elections saw a dynamic and closely contested race. Despite her strong campaign, Mbogo finished third with 22,851 votes. The seat was ultimately won by Alexander Mundigi of the Democratic Party, who garnered 81,162 votes. Governor Martin Wambora, who also contested, finished fifth.
Mbogo’s bid, while not victorious, was a testament to her resolve and dedication to her home county. Her campaign illuminated the need for diverse voices in leadership and the importance of addressing local concerns through effective representation.
Conclusion: A Continuing Journey
Lillian Mbogo’s foray into the Embu senatorial race highlighted her extensive experience and commitment to public service. Though the outcome was not as she had hoped, her efforts brought valuable attention to the issues facing Embu County and underscored her belief in the transformative power of dedicated leadership.
As she reflected on her journey, Mbogo remained optimistic about the future, expressing confidence that her story was far from over and that her contributions to public service would continue to shape the lives of those she aimed to serve.