By Faith Anene, Emuhaya
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, a new wave of leadership is taking shape in Emuhaya, spearheaded by a young, dynamic politician ready to make a mark.
Paul Tirra Ananda, the current MCA of Central Bunyore Ward, is setting his sights on the Emuhaya parliamentary seat, determined to elevate his community’s progress.
The seat is up for grabs after the current MP Omboko Milemba switched gears to the Vihiga gubernatorial seat.
At just 39 years old, Tirra has already earned the trust of his constituents through impactful leadership and a proven track record in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. With his passion for development and fresh ideas, he is poised to take Emuhaya into a brighter future, bringing energy and vision to the next level of leadership.
“My journey in leadership has always been about serving my people, and the MP seat is the next step in my commitment to bring more development at the doorstep of the people of Emuhaya,” said Mr Tirra in an exclusive interview with the County Splash
He went on: “Emuhaya deserves a leader who doesn’t just talk about change but takes action. As your MP, I’ll ensure that development isn’t just promised, but delivered. It’s time for a fresh approach to leadership, one rooted in service and vision,”
But who is Paul Tirra Ananda? Born on September 20, 1986, in Elununi village, Emakunda location, within Emukunji sub-location, Tirra’s journey from a young boy to a political figure is a testament to his unwavering desire to serve his people. As the son of the community, Tirra has made significant strides in both business and politics, positioning himself as a respected leader in the area.
Tirra’s educational background laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He attended Ematsuli primary school, where he completed his primary education in 2002, before moving on to Emusire high school and sat for his KCSE exams in 2006.
With a keen interest in finance and economics, he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (BCom) at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), graduating in 2014.He started ventures like MPESA and a hotel after graduation.
“Through ventures like MPESA and my hotel, I learned the importance of local economic development. These experiences inspired my vision of leadership, one that focuses on empowering our people through practical, growth-driven initiatives,” said Tirra
And come 2015, he joined politics, motivated by a deep desire to serve his people. In 2017, he vied for the Central Bunyore MCA seat under the Kadu Asili party, facing stiff competition from the larger ODM and ANC parties.
His opponent, the incumbent Jenipher Ekhuya, a retired teacher, was highly respected and had garnered a reputation as one of the best-performing MCAs in Vihiga but floored her with a high margin. Despite the challenge, Tirra’s strong grassroots connection and his commitment to service won him the hearts of voters, earning him the MCA seat at just 31 years old.
In the 2022 elections, Tirra clinched a second term as MCA, running under the ANC party, after being sought out by the party due to his exceptional performance in the first term.
The competition from ODM candidates remained fierce, but Tirra’s reputation, grounded in real community work, helped him secure victory. He garnered 4,800 votes, defeating his closest ODM rival, who had 3,600 votes, in a field of 14 candidates.
“The Emukunji Health Centre is undergoing a major upgrade, with the second phase of construction set to cost Sh 6-8 million. In total, I am planning to establish four new health facilities in the region before 2027,” ~Tirra,
His strong performance was acknowledged by Mizani, which ranked him as the best-performing MCA in Vihiga last month, a recognition that affirmed his hard work and commitment to development.
During his time as an MCA, he has championed for the construction of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms in all 19 primary schools within his ward as well as three health centres namely Esirulo, Ebukhaya and Essaba.
“The Emukunji Health Centre is undergoing a major upgrade, with the second phase of construction set to cost Sh 6-8 million. In total, I am planning to establish four new health facilities in the region before 2027,” said Tirra, adding, “I have also worked on revitalizing water schemes, including the Esirulo Water Project, which received Sh15 million, with an additional Sh7 million top-up for better water distribution,”
He says that he is also focused on revamping water systems across the ward, ensuring that communities have access to clean and reliable water. Notably, the Emuchula Water Project and Ebukhaya Water Project that have benefited from his leadership, improving access for over 150 households.
Despite his achievements, the ward rep remains grounded and aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
While he acknowledges the contributions of his predecessors, Governor Wilber Ottichilo and MP Omboko Milemba, he believes that as a leader, it is his duty to complete the projects they started, such as the Ebukanga Technical Training Institute and the Emuhaya Teachers Training College.
Looking ahead, Tirra’s focus is on ensuring that his community has a sustainable future. He believes that youth employment should be centered on agribusiness and technology.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Tirra’s political future remains bright. His competitors, including Dr Zablon Okwoku, Eng Benjamin Isilia, and Eng Asienga Ebole, are seen as newcomers to the political arena, with varying levels of support. However, Tirra remains confident in his track record and his connection to the people.
Vihiga County Executive Committee Member (Cecm) Meshack Onzere Mulongo is rumoured to also be eyeing the seat.
While acknowledging the competition, he insists, “I don’t undermine any competitor; all of them are equal. Eng Asienga is much better because he has faced elections twice, but social media presence and money splashing can’t match work on the ground.” He believes that the future of Emuhaya lies in leadership that understands the needs of the people and is committed to seeing projects through to completion.
