John Chumba Launches 2027 Parliamentary Bid at Kapseret Political Rally
There was optimism that his candidacy signals the dawn of a brighter era of representation and development for Kapseret Constituency.
Candidate John Chumba of kapseret Constituency. Photo/Achieng Kemuma
By Achieng Kemuma
Kapseret Constituency on Tuesday witnessed a colourful political gathering as businessman and youth advocate John Chumba formally declared his bid for the Member of Parliament seat in the 2027 General Election, drawing a large crowd of local residents, youth leaders, relatives and community members.
Speaking during the event, Edwin Kurgat, President of the Smart Capsule Rate Board and a Kapseret resident, welcomed Chumba’s entry into elective politics, praising his strong focus on youth empowerment through exposure and opportunity.
“We have seen young people from Kapseret benefit from international exposure through initiatives linked to John Chumba, with some accessing opportunities in countries such as Australia, the United States and Dubai,” Kurgat said.
Kurgat contrasted Chumba’s leadership style with that of the current MP, citing what he described as limited visibility in parliamentary debates, legislation and empowerment programmes.
“Kapseret needs a leader who will be seen and heard at the national level. I believe Chumba’s candidature will raise the constituency’s profile and ensure our issues are addressed where it matters,” he added.
In his address, Chumba expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his family, elders and the wider community, describing his endorsement by the Kaplel family as historic.
“This is not just about politics; it is about service, hope and change. I am honoured by the trust placed in me, and I commit to being a visionary and active legislator who puts the needs of Kapseret families first,” Chumba said.
He pledged to run an inclusive leadership, assuring residents that he would represent all people without discrimination while promoting peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.
“My leadership will be inclusive. I will work with everyone, regardless of background, to ensure peace, unity and progress in Kapseret,” he stated.
Youth empowerment featured prominently in Chumba’s agenda, with the aspirant describing young people as the backbone of the country. He called for collective efforts to tackle drug abuse while promoting entrepreneurship and formal business registration.
Citing what he termed as a 75 per cent youth unemployment rate, Chumba urged the government to increase funding for youth-focused programmes.
“We must invest in our youth. Without deliberate funding and policy support, we risk losing an entire generation to unemployment and despair,” he said.
Among his proposals are the creation of dedicated youth funds, improvement of technical and vocational training institutions, and expansion of access to international learning and exchange programmes. Drawing from his own experience studying in the United States, Chumba encouraged young people to embrace hard work, sacrifice and patience.
“Success sometimes requires stepping out of your comfort zone. With discipline and persistence, our youth can compete globally,” he told the gathering.
Chumba also appealed to young people to register as voters, calling for improved access to national identity cards and the waiver of registration fees, while expressing concern over what he termed as inadequate budgetary allocations for youth programmes.
On development, Chumba outlined an ambitious agenda to transform Kapseret into a model constituency, prioritising infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, sanitation and electrification, alongside affordable housing, universal healthcare, issuance of title deeds in underserved areas, enhanced security and strengthened social protection programmes.
An advocate of what he described as “sovereign leadership,” Chumba emphasised community participation and accountability at the ward level.
The meeting ended on an optimistic note, with supporters applauding Chumba’s past involvement in sponsoring education for children from marginalised backgrounds and his “leadership for all” approach. Many expressed hope that his candidature marks the beginning of a new era of effective representation and inclusive development for Kapseret Constituency.
