Dr. Irene Kasalu, the current Women Representative for Kitui County, has once again affirmed her frontrunner status in the race for the 2027 gubernatorial seat after securing a landslide victory in the latest opinion poll conducted by Yohana Kimwele of Kitui County Diary Digital.
The online poll, hosted on the popular Kitui County Facebook group, saw Kasalu garner 347 votes, translating to an overwhelming 72% of the total votes cast. This is the third time Dr. Kasalu is topping a public opinion poll, following earlier wins in similar surveys, including one by Channel 15 Digital earlier this year.
Coming a distant second was Kitui Central MP Dr. Makali Mulu with 62 votes (12%), followed by Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua at 9%, Jonathan with 1%, former Governor Charity Ngilu at 1%, and newcomer Nicholas Mulila also at 1%.
A Testament to Grassroots Strength
Dr. Kasalu’s consistent dominance in polls is being credited to her deep connection with the people of Kitui, particularly at the grassroots level. Her hallmark has been the empowerment of women and youth across the county, with thousands benefiting from training, startup support, and community initiatives funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Under her stewardship, NGAAF in Kitui has been a model of transparency and impact, focusing on practical, locally-driven solutions such as support for table banking groups, bursaries for vulnerable learners, and health initiatives for women and girls. This development-focused approach has earned her admiration across political divides.
What the Polls Might Mean
While opinion polls conducted two years ahead of a general election are not always predictive of final results, they are crucial indicators of current political momentum, public sentiment, and campaign effectiveness. Peter Mutiso a local commentator in Lower Eastern in an earlier interview with Channel 15 News argued that consistent leads in such polls, especially in local forums like Facebook groups with active, engaged voters, can boost a candidate’s visibility, donor confidence, and morale among campaigners.
For Dr. Kasalu, this third consecutive lead shows an entrenched support base, especially among women and youth. It also signals a possible realignment in Kitui politics, where traditional heavyweights may now have to contend with a new generation of results-oriented, people-centered leadership.
A Word on the Road Ahead
Although Kasalu is yet to formally launch her candidacy but continues to intensify countywide development tours and community engagements. Her supporters, however, are already in campaign mode, branding her as the “Mama Wa Maendeleo” best suited to succeed Dr Julius Makau Malombe and transform Kitui into a beacon of inclusive development.
With 2027 fast approaching, the winds of change in Kitui are clearly blowing in her direction.
