Whether Indimuli Kahi’s classroom-honed discipline and reputation for integrity can withstand the rough terrain of Vihiga politics remains to be seen. For Kahi, it’s more than a campaign; it’s a test of whether ideas born in the staffroom can survive the noise of the campaign trail.
By Faith Anene, Vihiga
From chalk dust to campaign dust, former Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) national chairperson Indimuli Kahi is trading lesson plans for manifestos in his first foray into politics after he declared his bid for the Vihiga gubernatorial seat in 2027.
After nearly four decades shaping Kenya’s education system, the calm, methodical schoolmaster is now stepping into the high octane world of politics, where influence, identity, financial muscles and alliances define survival.
Kahi’s declaration, though expected by some of his allies in the education sector, has jolted Vihiga’s political order.
The race is already crowded with familiar political heavyweights led by Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala and former Safaricom director Jannet Ominde.
Others are the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) – Vihiga Chapter Chairman Mr Billy Nyonje and Vihiga County Lands CECM Prof. Mike Iravo, each with a distinct base and strategy.
The first governor, Rev. Moses Akaranga, hailed from Maragoli, while the current governor, Dr. Wilber Ottichilo, comes from Bunyore.
For Kahi, whose experience lies in shaping policy rather than playing politics, the transition from boardroom diplomacy to bare knuckle campaigning marks a daring career pivot.
His entry also reawakens the county’s delicate ethnic and regional balance that often defines its politics.
For Kahi, who once commanded national respect among school heads, the challenge now lies in converting educational stature into political capital.
His supporters see him as a disciplined, corruption-free technocrat who could inject professionalism into governance; critics, however, question whether his calm demeanour and classroom leadership style can withstand the cut throat reality of grassroots politics in Vihiga.
“I want to welcome the people of Vihiga, the people we value and cherish and tell them that as we prepare for the next elections, I have presented myself to vie for the seat of governor,” Kahi said at his home in Mokomo village in Sabatia constituency in an exclusive interview with County Splash. “I am doing this because I have a passion for leadership and a vision to make Vihiga work for its people.”
Kahi’s story reads like that of a teacher who never stopped leading. Born in Mokomo village, he attended Chavakali High School before joining Kenyatta University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree.
He taught Chemistry and Physics, rising through the ranks to become the Chief Principal of Machakos Boys High School and later the President of the African Confederation of Principals.
During his tenure at KESSHA, Kahi became a household name in education circles, known for his calm but firm advocacy for teachers’ welfare and policy reforms. His most notable achievement was convincing the government to pay national examination fees for all learners, including those in private schools.
“I championed the principle that all children are children of Kenya, regardless of where they study. No student should miss an exam because of poverty,” he said.
Now, Kahi hopes to transfer that same sense of fairness and structure to county governance.
“People ask if calm people can be politicians. Let me ask them, what kind of face should a politician wear? You won’t see insults or theatrics from me, but those who think I’m soft will be surprised. I’ll be firm, focused, and issue-based,” ~ Kahi.
If elected, Kahi says he will build an administration anchored on transparency, consultation, and results driven management.
“We must seal revenue leakages and make every coin count. I’ll ensure that county staff have room to innovate, while aligning all programs with the constitution and national policy,” Kahi said.
He envisions a government that prioritizes youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion, and public participation.
“I’ve worked with young people for the last 38 years. I know their challenges. Before giving handouts or tools, we must train and prepare them properly. My administration will invest in skill building, mentorship, and innovation,” he explained.
Kahi says his campaign already mirrors the diversity he intends to bring to government.
“I have young graduates, middle-aged professionals, and women in business in my team. Inclusion is not a slogan, it’s a structure. We’ll support women in different business levels, not lump everyone together,” he said.
He added that his cabinet, if elected, would reflect gender balance and youth representation “in real leadership roles, not symbolic ones.”
Critics have described Kahi as “too calm” for politics. But he disagrees.
“People ask if calm people can be politicians. Let me ask them, what kind of face should a politician wear? You won’t see insults or theatrics from me, but those who think I’m soft will be surprised. I’ll be firm, focused, and issue-based,” said Kahi.
He praised outgoing Governor Wilber Ottichilo for steering the county through “a formative phase” and rated him 7 out of 10, saying he intends to build on that foundation.
“If I gave him 10, what would I be coming to do? I’ll pick up from 7 and push it to 9,” he said with a grin.
Family Influence
Before going public, Kahi says he first sought the blessings of his family, clan, and church leaders through a series of long discussions, including a Zoom call with his daughters abroad.
“Once my family, siblings, and church gave me the green light, I knew I could face the people. I didn’t want to walk alone,” he said.
As a trustee of the Friends Church (Quakers) Yearly Meeting in Vokoli, Kahi says faith will be his moral compass in politics.
He also urged the youth to register as voters early and “choose the right political vehicle” rather than waiting for handouts.
“If you board the wrong vehicle, you’ll end up lost and waste your time and money. Vihiga must choose wisely and I believe my vehicle is the right one,” he said.
As the 2027 race intensifies, analysts say Kahi’s candidacy adds a fresh dynamic to the race. He is perceived to be a technocrat stepping into a field dominated by politicians.
Senator Osotsi, MP Milemba, businessman Nyonje, Ms Ominde and Woman Rep Adagala each bring solid political machinery and ethnic balance from Bunyore, Tiriki and Maragoli regions, while Kahi, from Sabatia, is positioning himself as the neutral reformist with a clean record and administrative experience.
Still, he insists the race is not a matter of life and death.
“Seventy-five percent of the students I taught came from Vihiga. Their parents trusted me with their children. Why shouldn’t they trust me with their county?” he asked. “The time of reckoning is now. Vihiga needs leadership that can be trusted—leadership that unites and delivers.”
