Wamuzi News Ke
In a startling political development, Lucy Jeffrey—a Kenyan born TV host, entrepreneur, and philanthropist long based in Canada—has declared her intention to run as an independent candidate for the Westlands Parliamentary seat in the 2027 general election.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Jeffrey revealed that after nearly two decades abroad, she has chosen to abandon political ambitions in Canada and focus exclusively on serving constituents in Kenya.
The current MP, Timothy Wanyonyi, is expected to contest the Bungoma gubernatorial seat, creating a vacuum she plans to fill.
A Vision Grounded in Accountability and Service.
Jeffrey highlighted massive governance gaps in Westlands—urban deprivation in Kangemi, youth unemployment, and gendered economic exclusion. She pledged to dismantle entrenched tribal politics and introduce a model of leadership based on accountability, civic engagement, and tangible results.
Drawing on her 18 years’ experience in Canada, she said: “I decided that even if I became an MP in Canada, I would not have the emotional space to serve Kenya the way I am being called to now.
Kenya is my origin, where I can make the most transformative impact.”
Bold Pledges and Strategic Promises.
Jeffrey unveiled a six‑point plan that includes:Donating 50% of her net salary to constituency projects and welfare initiatives;Establishing a Canadian-style call centre in Westlands to connect youth with job markets in Kenya and Canada;
Launching comprehensive skills and digital training programmes for unemployed youth;Collaborating with local institutions to deliver mobile healthcare services;Hosting regular town‑hall debates to foster transparency and public accountability;
Committing to one term only, mentoring her successor to ensure sustainable leadership.
Reactions and Political Implications.
Jeffrey’s candidacy delivers a powerful challenge to the status quo—framing the seat as open to new leadership rather than ethnic inheritance. She dismissed reports of veteran politicians eyeing the seat, including former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, asserting:
“They are handing over the seat as if it is an inheritance. No wonder I have been told this is a Luhya constituency… Others deserve to lead.” Political analysts note her pitch resonates with Nairobi’s urban electorate, increasingly frustrated by recycled leadership and marginalization of youth and women.
Her commitment to civic innovation and visible service stands to disrupt traditional party loyalties.
What’s Next?With the incumbent preparing to shift focus to Bungoma County, the Westlands seat is wide open. The coming months will test whether Jeffrey can mobilize grassroots support and translate her overseas credibility into local political momentum.
Key dynamics to watch:Will high-profile candidates like Kidero enter the race and clash with Jeffrey’s reform‑driven narrative?
How will residents in Westlands respond to promises of constituency dividends and citizen‑driven governance?Can her independent campaign infrastructure match that of party-backed contenders by mid‑2026?
