Veteran banker, Alfred Mang’ula, declares bid for Kakamega Senate seat in 2027

Veteran banker and governance expert, Mr Alfred Anekeya Mang’ula. PHOTO/UGC.

By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Veteran banker and governance expert, Mr Alfred Anekeya Mang’ula, has formally declared his interest in contesting for the Kakamega Senate seat in the forthcoming 2027 General Election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched political race in the county.

Mr Mang’ula, a seasoned professional in the banking and insurance sector, is expected to embark on a series of consultative engagements across Kakamega County’s constituencies in the coming months. The meetings, according to his campaign team, will help shape his policy agenda in line with the constitutional mandate of a Senator in Kenya.

The current Kakamega Senator, Dr Bonny Khalwale, has already indicated interest in contesting the gubernatorial seat in 2027, potentially opening up a competitive succession race for the senatorial position.

Since the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya (2010), Kenya adopted a devolved system of governance that created 47 county governments, fundamentally reshaping public administration and resource allocation.

Under this framework, the Senate of Kenya was established as a key institution tasked with protecting county interests at the national level. Senators are responsible for representing counties, safeguarding devolution, and ensuring equitable allocation of national revenue.

They also provide oversight of county governments, review legislation affecting counties, and act as guardians of devolved governance by ensuring county administrations remain accountable and efficient.

Mr Mang’ula’s declaration introduces a technocratic figure into Kakamega’s evolving political landscape. In a statement shared on his Facebook page, he appealed for grassroots mobilisation and volunteer support.

“I am requesting friends to assist to propagate and sell my aspirations to the people of Kakamega County of my dream to serve them as their Fourth senator,” he said.

He has called on supporters to act as “activators” across polling stations in Kakamega County, as well as potential election agents ahead of the 2027 polls.

Mr Mang’ula is widely regarded as a veteran and innovative banking professional with extensive experience spanning finance, leadership, and governance. Over the years, he has worked across the banking and insurance industries, where he is credited with contributing to operational innovation and improved financial management practices.

He has also served in various governance and advisory roles, including membership in the Kakamega County Budget and Economic Forum and the Kakamega Sports Club, where he participated in strategic oversight and institutional development.

His professional portfolio is further strengthened by his certification as a professional mediator, positioning him as a conflict resolution practitioner with experience in negotiation and institutional dialogue.

Mr Mang’ula hails from Butere Sub-County in Kakamega County and holds a strong academic foundation in business and management. His qualifications include: A diploma in banking and finance, Bachelor of Business Administration from Dublin Metropolitan University and a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Mr Mang’ula’s supporters describe him as a people-centred leader committed to prudent management of public resources and effective oversight of county government operations. His campaign narrative is expected to focus on accountability, development, and strengthening service delivery under devolved governance.

He is positioning himself as a candidate capable of combining private sector discipline with public sector oversight, promising robust representation and legislation anchored in economic transformation for Kakamega residents.

As political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, Kakamega County is expected to witness increased political activity, particularly around leadership succession at both Senate and gubernatorial levels.

With established political personalities and emerging technocrats likely to compete for influence, Mr Mang’ula’s entry adds a new dimension to the race; one that blends financial expertise with governance reform ambitions.

If his mobilisation efforts gain traction, analysts suggest the contest for the Kakamega Senate seat could evolve into a high-stakes battle between established political heavyweights and reform-oriented newcomers.