Jonathan Toroitich’s widow Milkah joins race for Rongai MP seat

Faith Milkah Moi, the widow of the late Jonathan Toroitich Moi, has declared her intention to vie for the Rongai constituency parliamentary seat, signaling that the legacy of one of Kenya's most recognizable political families is far from being finished.

Milkah confirmed her interest in gunning for the seat through her several Facebook post which she has branded herself as the Rongai MP in 2027.

Her first post was on February 18 when she made a poster wishing Muslims community a Ramadan Mubarak. This is also alluded to in her profile information.

Milkah’s entry draws attention across the region, where the Moi name still carries political weight decades after Daniel Arap Moi left office.

Raymond Moi has served as the area MP for two terms between 2013 and 2022 when he lost to the current MP Paul Chebor. it is not clear whether he will be seeking to reclaim the seat in 2027.

However, Kibet Komen, the son of the former MP William Komen has already shown interest in running for the seat.

While Milkah has largely remained out of elective politics since her husband's passing, her decision to seek office signals a willingness to step into a competitive arena that blends legacy, loyalty, and shifting voter expectations.

Her candidacy could be interpreted as an attempt to leverage the enduring influence and recognition of the Moi name within the region’s political landscape.

As campaigns gather momentum, attention will turn to the issues she chooses to prioritize on.

Voters in the region have consistently cited youth unemployment, agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, access to education, and healthcare as pressing concerns.

Beyond the symbolic power of her surname, her ability to articulate practical solutions and connect with grassroots communities will determine the strength of her campaign.

Her entry into the race also contributes to the growing number of women seeking elective positions across the country, reflecting incremental gains in women's political participation.

For the first time, a woman from the Moi dynasty is stepping forward to seek an elective seat, and in a family whose political legacy has long been defined by its men, that decision is itself a landmark moment.

She is a woman defined not only by the heritage she married into, but by the battles she has fought to survive it, and how she navigates contemporary leadership demands in an evolving democratic landscape will determine the next chapter of that storied legacy.

Beyond politics, Milka is known for her participation in Kenya's first-ever all-women Safari Rally, declaring she joined to keep alive her late husband's motorsport legacy, finishing in sixth position in 2022.

Following Jonathan's death in April 2019, she fought a prolonged inheritance dispute, accusing the estate administrator of sidelining her and her children as beneficiaries.

Her most public battle came when she appealed for funds to cover her son Gift's jaw surgery worth Sh 2.5 million, alleging the estate refused to help, prompting court intervention.