The political wind in West Pokot is shifting, and the conversations in villages, markets, and WhatsApp groups are becoming sharper by the day, and thereon. People are speaking openly as they compare their leaders’ qualities, astuteness and charisma.
They are questioning alliances as they are asking one big question as to who is truly grounded, and who is simply making noise ahead of 2027? In these conversations, one name keeps popping out and up with mixed reactions— that of Dr Naomi Kendagor, who is eyeing woman representative in next year’s general election. She wants to oust Rael Aleutum after coming second in the 2022 race.
Many residents feel Dr Kendagor is slowly losing her footing, and some even argue she may slide to third place if she does not change course. This is not a prediction of results. It is the mood on the ground, the whispers in the community, and the political reading of those who follow West Pokot politics closely.
The first criticism that keeps coming up is her political strategy. Or, as some locals put it, “the lack of it.” In West Pokot, strategy is not a luxury. It is survival. The county is built on clan networks, cultural expectations, and long‑standing loyalties.
A leader must understand the heartbeat of the people. They must know when to speak, when to listen, and when to show up physically. Many residents say Dr Kendagor has not built a strong grassroots structure.
They argue she appears in public events but does not stay long enough to connect deeply with the people.
One elder in Mnagei was heard saying, “A leader must sit with us, not pass by like a visitor.” That sentiment captures the frustration of many who feel she has not invested enough time in the ground.
The second issue is her inner circle.
Critics say she is surrounded by political brokers, cartels, and individuals who are more interested in personal gain than in building a serious campaign.
West Pokot has seen these characters for years. They move from one politician to another, promising influence, promising votes, promising miracles. But they deliver very little. When a candidate depends on such people, they lose touch with the real voters.
A youth leader in Chepareria put it bluntly: “If your team is full of brokers, you are already finished.” This is the perception that is hurting her. People want leaders who stand with the community, not with cartels.
The third argument raised by her critics is her political alignment. Many residents feel she has placed herself in weak or unstable camps.
She is associated with Governor Simon Kachapin—popularly known as Chemangal—and his deputy Robert Komolle. But the ground reality is that both leaders have lost significant influence. Their networks are not as strong as they once were.
Their political grip has loosened. And in West Pokot, a weak alliance is a heavy burden.
When people say Dr Kendagor is a “political orphan,” they mean she is standing with leaders who no longer command the respect they once enjoyed.
One boda boda rider in Makutano said, “If you follow a sinking ship, you sink with it.” That is the perception shaping her political image.
As these weaknesses continue to shape public opinion, another figure is rising with stronger footing
Aleutum is part of the 5G team, a group that has built strong grassroots networks and maintained visibility across the county.
At the same time, the political conversation includes other emerging figures.
Jane Mengich remains a respected name. She is calm, steady, and experienced. Her supporters say she brings maturity to the race. They argue she understands the county’s political terrain and knows how to mobilise quietly. But her critics say she needs to increase her visibility.
They argue that West Pokot politics rewards those who stay close to the people, not those who operate from a distance.
Their viewpoint is that Aleutum is the strongest figure among the women leaders at the moment but Dr. Kendagor factor cannot be ignored.
But it is important to remember that politics is unpredictable. Alliances shift. New players emerge, and public opinion changes. A candidate who appears weak today may reorganise and rise again. A candidate who appears strong may lose momentum. Only the IEBC can announce official results. What we can analyse is the mood, the conversations, and the political signals.
Right now, the signals show that Dr Kendagor is facing serious challenges. Her critics are louder. Her supporters are quieter. Her alliances are shaky. Her strategy is unclear. And her team is raising more questions than answers.
Meanwhile, Aleutum is steady. She is visible. She is grounded and well connected. She is part of a team that still commands respect in many parts of the county.
The political season is just beginning and the ground will shift again. But the early conversations are clear as people are watching and comparing notes. They are speaking openly and loudily. And the message from many corners of West Pokot is simple, that leadership must be earned, not assumed.
A leader must walk with the people, not above them. A leader must build trust, not rely on brokers. A leader must understand the ground, and not operate from the clouds.
As one elder in Lelan said, “Politics is like herding cattle. If you don’t know the path, the cows scatter.” That quote captures the heart of the matter that strategy matters as team work matters too, and so is presence and visibility which also matter. But right now, the political ground is rewarding those who understand these truths.
