By Francis Kioko
Kitui South MP Rachel Kaki faces a growing challenge for re-election in 2027, with recent polls indicating a decline in her popularity. The poll, reportedly commissioned by her own supporters, shows Kitui County’s Agriculture and Fisheries Chief Officer, Gladys Kivoto, leading with 52.41% support, while Kaki lags behind at 35%. Although Kivoto has not yet declared her intentions to run, the poll highlights a significant shift in public sentiment, with many Kitui South residents expressing a strong desire for new leadership.
Residents have voiced frustrations with Kaki’s leadership, citing stagnation in development and unmet needs in areas like infrastructure and economic empowerment. In contrast, Kivoto is widely praised for her work in transforming Kitui County through her leadership in agriculture and fisheries. Her supporters see her as the leader capable of addressing the constituency’s challenges and bringing meaningful change.
The poll results have sparked optimism among Kivoto’s supporters, who are rallying behind her potential candidacy for 2027. While Kivoto has not officially announced her plans, she has expressed surprise at the growing public desire for her leadership. She emphasized that her current focus remains on assisting Governor Malombe in delivering for the people of Kitui, stating that she has not declared any political ambitions at this time.
Despite her silence on the matter, Kivoto is admired by many Kitui South residents, who describe her as humble, compassionate, and dedicated. They have expressed disappointment with Kaki’s leadership, feeling she is disconnected from the people. As the 2027 elections approach, it remains unclear whether Kivoto will heed the calls to contest the seat, but the poll results have sent a clear message to Kaki that her leadership is no longer meeting the expectations of the electorate.
If the current trend continues, Kaki’s political future could be in jeopardy, with voters signaling their readiness for a change under Kivoto’s leadership, even if she has not yet formally entered the race. As 2027 draws nearer, the political dynamics in Kitui South are shifting, and the outcome of the next election is becoming increasingly uncertain.
The results, which have sent shockwaves through Kaki’s camp, raise serious concerns for the incumbent MP. What was intended as a strategic move to assess her political footing has instead illuminated a growing discontent among voters in Kitui South.
Residents of Kitui South have long voiced frustrations over what they perceive as a lack of progress under Kaki’s leadership. Many feel that the constituency has remained stagnant, with development stalled and key issues like infrastructure and economic empowerment left unaddressed. In contrast, Gladys Kivoto is widely praised for her track record of transforming Kitui County through her leadership in agriculture and fisheries. Her supporters see her as the solution to Kitui South’s underdevelopment, believing she has the vision and ability to bring about meaningful change.
The poll results have ignited optimism among Kivoto’s supporters, who are now rallying behind her candidacy for 2027. They believe this is the moment for Kivoto to return home and fulfill the potential many see in her leadership.As Kivoto remains silent on her political ambitions, Kambaland Times sought her comment on the opinion poll results and whether she will contest the Kitui South parliamentary seat in 2027.
In response, Kivoto expressed surprise at the growing public desire for her leadership, explaining that she is currently focused on assisting Governor Malombe in delivering for the people of Kitui. She emphasized that she has not expressed any political ambitions at this time, and instead, her priority remains helping Governor Malombe fulfill his promises to the county. “I am honored that Governor Malombe chose me to serve as Chief Officer during his first and second terms,” Kivoto stated. “It is a great responsibility, and I cannot fail him.
My focus right now is to support his administration and contribute to the development of Kitui County.”Gladys Kivoto has earned widespread admiration from Kitui South residents, who have described her as generous, humble, kind, and compassionate. In comparison, they have expressed disappointment with Hon. Rachel Kaki, accusing her of neglecting the constituency and being disconnected from the people. As 2027 approaches, it remains to be seen whether Kivoto will heed the calls of her constituents to take up the mantle of leadership.
For now, she has urged the people of Kitui to continue supporting Governor Malombe’s administration, believing that the ongoing development efforts are yielding positive results across the county.The outcome of the poll has sent a clear message to Kaki: the status quo is no longer acceptable.
As the 2027 election draws closer, the electorate is signaling that they are no longer willing to settle for a leadership that they feel has neglected their needs. If the current trend continues, it could spell the end of Kaki’s political career in Kitui South, with voters ready to embrace a new direction under Kivoto’s stewardship ,even though she has not officially announced her candidacy. For now, Kitui South remains on edge, with political dynamics unfolding as the 2027 general elections draw near.
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