WOMEN ON THE MOVE members of county assembly of 2013-2017

Kingdom of the Netherlands Women on the move members of county assembly kisumu 2013-2017 Women On The Move: Members of County Assembly of Kisumu 2013-2017 is a publication of the Association of Media Women in (AMWIK) with support from the Kingdom of Netherlands and Diakonia-Sweden.

Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) Hse No. 6, Wendy Court, David Osieli Rd, Westlands. P.O. Box 10327-00100, , Kenya Tel: + 254 020 4441226/ 0722 201958/0737201958 Fax: +254 020 4441227 Email: [email protected] Website: www.amwik.org

© Association of Media Women in Kenya, 2014

ISBN 9966-7163-3-9

Editors: Lilian Juma & Jane Godia Design & layout: AMWIK

Front Cover photos: Assembly, Nominated women MCAs (L-R) Carolyne Ogot, Salome Kamonya Lungafa, Lydia Atieno Ngege and Farida Ahmed Salim.

Back Cover photos: (L-R) Women MCAs in consultation during Kisumu County Assembly proceedings. Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Anne Atieno Adul. Deputy Speaker and Central Kisumu Ward MCA Hon Pamela Apondi Omino.

2 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Table of Contents

8/ Benter Akinyi Ogolla 43/ Nelly Beldinah Osok West Seme Ward, Seme Constituency Nominated

12/ Carolyne Awino Owen 47/ Nereah Akoth Okombo Kisumu North Ward, Manyatta B Ward,

16/ Caroliyne Awuor Agwanda 51/ Pamela Akinyi Adhiambo Nominated Nominated

19/ Carolyne Awuor Ogot 53/ Pamela Apondi Omino Nominated Central Kisumu Ward, Kisumu West Constituency 23/ Eunice Atieno Miruka Nominated 56/ Pamela Awuor Oyoo Nominated 26/ Farida Ahmed Salim Nominated 59/ Petronilla Achieng Omondi South East Nyakach Ward, 30/ Jane Atieno Omolo Nominated 63/ Priscah Auma Misachi 34/ Lydia Achieng Odhiambo Kaloleni/Shauri Moyo Ward, Nominated Kisumu Central

37/ Lydia Atieno Ndege 66/ Salome Kamonya Lungafa Nominated Nominated

40/ Malin Akinyi Atieno 69/ Susan Adhiambo Omollo Kobura Ward, Nominated

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 3 Abbreviations/Acronyms

ALGAK Association of Local Government LDP Liberal Democratic Party of Kenya Authorities of Kenya MCA Member of County Assembly AMWIK Association of Media Women in Kenya MP Member of Parliament NDP National Development Party FIDA-K Federation of Women Lawyers - Kenya ODM Orange Democratic Movement Party FPK Federal Party of Kenya PDP People’s Democratic Party IEBC Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission RPK Reform Party of Kenya

KANU Kenya African National TNA The National Alliance Union Party TSC Teachers Service Commission KCWLC Kisumu County Women UDFP United Democratic Forum Party Leadership Caucus

KEFEADO Kenya Female Advisory UNWomen United Nations Entity for Gender Organization Equality and the Empowerment of Women KICAWOCA Kisumu County Assembly Women Caucus UPDK United Disabled Persons of Kenya KIWASCO Kisumu Water Services Company URP United Republican Party

4 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Foreword ince the promulgation of the Constitution and Mombasa. In these counties, several trainings Sof Kenya in 2010, more women have been were conducted for women aspirants and leaders elected and nominated to national and county with the goal of encouraging them to vie for level leadership positions. However, amid these elective positions. As a result, women came out developments, women aspiring for leadership and in large numbers to vie for parliamentary and decision-making positions continue to face great county assembly positions. barriers, a factor that has hindered achievement However, despite the high numbers, few women of equitable gender representation. made it through party nominations. AMWIK and This has necessitated more efforts towards the partners carried out further training for the empowering and supporting women to elected and nominated women leaders, to enable participate in politics and governance at the local them to participate effectively in leadership and and national levels. remain visible in the society. In an effort to inspire In January 2012, the Association of Media and encourage more women to go for leadership Women in Kenya (AMWIK), in collaboration positions, we celebrate women who have braved with the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) all odds to make it in politics by documenting Kenya and Diakonia Kenya, implemented the their journey to leadership. project, Building and Amplifying Women’s Kisumu County was chosen as a pilot project Voices in Political and Economic Development. for many reasons. Being Kenya’s third largest city The project aimed at promoting the inclusion of after Nairobi and Mombasa, Kisumu is a County women in the development process by challenging of many firsts. In 1969, Kisumu produced the undemocratic social, economic, cultural and country’s first elected female MP, Mrs. Grace political practices as well as structures that are not Onyango, who served in the Second Parliament favourable to the progress of women and girls. (1969-1974). Earlier in 1965, Onyango made Kisumu County was identified as one of the history as the first female mayor in East Africa ten priority areas together with Nairobi, Nakuru, when she was elected the Mayor of Kisumu Nyandarua, Kwale, Wajir, Isiolo, Kisii, Kericho (1965-1969). In 2006, Kisumu County was

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 5 designated the world’s first Millennium* City by help enhance the participation of Kenyan women UN-HABITAT. in political and public life, but also contribute Presently, Kisumu County has the highest towards eliminating barriers that continue to number of elected female MCAs under the new hamper women’s success in all fields. Constitution. In the March 4, 2013 General We anticipate that the political achievements Election, seven women - Pamela Apondi Omino, of elected and nominated female MCAs against Priscah Auma Misachi, Petronilla Apondi, Benter all odds will serve to demonstrate that women Akinyi Ogolla, Caroline Awino Owen, Nereah can do as well as men if given an opportunity to Akoth Okombo and Marlin Akinyi Atieno - were lead. We also hope the stories and experiences of elected members of the County Assembly in the MCAs will inspire more women to take up Kisumu. Another 12 women were nominated to leadership and change the long held perception the Assembly. among some electorate that politics is a preserve The Assembly is also the first in Kenya to have of men. an all-women duo of Speaker (Anne Atieno Adul) AMWIK and our partnering institutions and Deputy Speaker (Pamela Apondi Omino). will continue to sensitise Kenyans on women’s The minority whip is also a woman (Carolyne leadership as well as their achievements, Owen). The County has also been recognised as contribution and challenges in their journey to the most balanced assembly, with 19 female and leadership. This awareness should help nurture 30 male Members of the County Assembly, thus a society that appreciates and supports efforts meeting the two-thirds maximum threshold of towards achieving gender equity in Kenya. either gender to elective and appointive offices, as stipulated in the Constitution. Pamela Mburia, We hope that this publication will not only Chairperson, AMWIK

*The Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI), a project of the Earth Institute (Columbia University), was founded in 2006 by world-renowned development economist Jeffrey D. Sachs to help selected, under-resourced municipalities across sub-Saharan Africa eradicate searing urban poverty and attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). MCI is helping 11 Millennium Cities in sub-Saharan Africa become viable and sustainable – each with distinct livelihood opportunities, improved access to public services and links both with the countryside and international markets.

6 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Acknowledgements he Association of Media Women in Leadership Opportunities for Women). The TKenya (AMWIK) would like to thank funding for the project and for this booklet has all the women Members of County Assembly greatly enhanced the participation and visibility of Kisumu, who readily shared their journeys of women leaders in Kenya. to leadership. They openly spoke to us about We acknowledge the support and the role by their joys, frustrations, pains, achievements FIDA Kenya in the collaborative approach of and lessons that will inspire many generations building the capacity of women members of to come. We are truly indebted to you for your county assemblies in the 10 project locations. time and patience during this process. We specifically recognise the support of the Special gratitude to Lucy Githaiga (Diakonia Chief Executive Officer, Christine Ochieng, Kenya Country Programme Manager) and Fred Senior Programme Officer, Transformative Oundo (Programme Officer, Diakonia Kenya Justice team, Shiro Mogeni-Shilako and Country Programme), who provided technical Lorraine Ochiel for their input at various stages support to the project dubbed Building and of publication. Amplifying Women’s Voices in Economic We also thank Lilian Juma (Senior Programmes and Political Development. This publication Officer), for the overall coordination of this would not have been successfully completed publication, Jane Godia for editing the content, without their active contribution as well as the writers who included Lilian Juma, Benard the involvement of the entire Diakonia Kenya Ogoi and Michael Ochieng and photographer Country Programme team. Lawrence Muriithi. We cannot forget the We are greatly indebted to the Kingdom of oversight and support from the AMWIK Board Netherlands and Diakonia Sweden for financial of Directors that made the production of this support towards the Building and Amplifying work a success. Women’s Voices in Economic and Political Helen Mudora Obande Development project under FLOW (Funding Executive Director, AMWIK

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 7 Hon Benter Akinyi Ogola Ndeda West Seme Ward, Seme Constituency

who achieved such feat. Although the win came as a surprise, Ndeda who won on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket is categorical that the victory was not a walk in the park. “I did a lot of lobbying and mobilisation among friends, especially men, to accept and support my candidature as an equal candidate.” Relating with her, one can easily understand why the political greenhorn won the hearts of the electorate in West Seme Ward to secure a place in the Kisumu County Assembly. Ndeda’s strength lies in her robust socialising skills which she perfected over the years as or a ward that has been led by men since a businesswoman and community worker. Fthe country’s independence, another It is these flairs that came in handy when she win by a male candidate in the March 4, 2013 mobilised people to help her during the election General Election was widely expected. campaigns. However, tables turned when Benter Akinyi It was in the late 1990s that Ndeda learnt Ndeda, a political novice, defied tradition to she could play an influential role in the defeat three strong male opponents, instantly community. This was during the time that she getting her name into the political hall of fame operated restaurants and canteens in various and earning her place among the few women institutions.

8 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 While serving patrons, Ndeda would always enrolled for a certificate course in psychological inquire about their welfare and in the process counselling at Daystar University, in 2010. got to know much about their lives and the Besides attending to her business, she would challenges they faced. juggle between community work and meeting It was this attachment to people that drew family demands, responsibilities that required Ndeda into community work within her rural her leadership and managerial skills. home in Seme. She started working with the Born in August 1965 in Barchando Village in community in 2002 and she came face to face Bondo District, Ndeda who is married in Reru, with the realities that people faced, including Seme Constituency, attended Lwala Primary challenges of poverty, hunger, unemployment School where she did her CPE in 1978. She later as well as HIV and AIDS among others. In the joined Maasai High School for form one and course of all this, she found herself playing the two before moving to Makasembo Secondary role of a psycho-social counsellor. School where she did her O’ Level examinations Her shift to counselling was occasioned by in 1982. a series of tragedies in the family when two of It is at Makasembo that her leadership ability her brothers died within a span of two weeks was planted, having been chosen a class prefect. in 2002. Only five years earlier she had lost her She then proceeded to then Nairobi Home father. “I was now bearing the family weight.” Economics College of Catering for a Diploma Both her brothers had died of complications in Catering and Accommodation between 1984 related to HIV and AIDS. She felt guilty, knowing and 1986. Upon graduating, she launched a the truth about the cause of her brothers’ deaths, catering business in Kisumu which she has yet other family members were living in denial, operated to date. scared of admitting the truth due to the stigma In 2004 Ndeda founded ANIGA Initiative, attached to HIV and AIDS. a self-help group that has been supporting Ndeda realised that she had a role to play women but has since escalated to a Community to change perceptions and attitudes and help Based Organisation. Her leadership skills saw her community out of ignorance. Ndeda then her appointed to the Kisumu West District

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 9 Poverty Eradication Committee in 2007 where saw the branch strengthened.” she served for a one term of five-years as Her promises during the campaigns were chairperson. anchored on good representation and proper Ndeda draws her inspiration from Pastor use of devolved funds to ensure that people who Martin Bando of Christ Is The Answer voted for her got good roads, health facilities Ministries (CITAM), Kisumu branch. His belief and quality education. in her leadership qualities propelled her into the To meet the expectations of her constituents, limelight. Ndeda has already drawn a Strategic Plan that “One day he selected me together with nine she would like to see implemented for the other women to lead 10 women’s groups in the projects envisaged for West Seme Ward. church. Every month, each group would give a The priority areas include enhancing access to presentation in the church through their team clean water, passable roads and health facilities leader. I had worked with different kinds of for all. She hopes the County government will women; meeting and helping them in different allocate adequate resources to address the needs situations and this endeared me to them.” of the residents. By 2011 she was under pressure to vie for a At the County Assembly, Ndeda is the vice political leadership position. “I then started chairperson of Culture, Sports and Children thinking outside the box and was not only Affairs Committee. She is passionate about willing to try but determined to actually win a the County Government tackling the socio- seat.” economic challenges facing the community, Ndeda started by being active in political and more so those afflicting women and youth. party activities at the grassroots. In 2012, she Her development record includes supporting successfully vied for the position of ODM party vulnerable women and youth by organising committee member right from the Sub-Location them into theatre groups to enhance community to Location, Constituency, up to County level. awareness on HIV and AIDS. “Since then I began recruiting women to the However, she is quick to challenge women ODM Women Democrats’ Wing, a move that not to shy away from running for political

10 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 office as they can equally make it in leadership reconciliation as this will create a conducive positions. environment for development in Kisumu Ndeda notes that collaboration with County.” stakeholders of diverse interests and parties is Ndeda looks forward to promoting the welfare important for promoting national cohesion and and protection of children. “I will introduce a development. motion to address rising cases of child abuse in “All leaders should focus on unity and the County.”

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 11 Hon Caroline Awino Pamela Owen Kisumu North Ward, Kisumu West Constituency

winning the Kisumu North Ward seat. Indeed the challenges came. They were abrasive. In an attempt to scare her out of the March 4, 2013 general election, Owen was branded a prostitute at the onset of her campaigns but did not flee from any of it. Instead, she surprised both friend and foe, when she simply accepted the title, and joked that her relocation from her ancestral home in Siaya County to her matrimonial home in Kisumu County was, not be a ‘catholic nun’… and, if prostitution is the word for it, then that be her fate as a woman! She never let the insults and vulgarities intimidate her. Instead, she kept her n astute politician in the real sense of the eyes on the price and won. Aword, when Hon Caroline Owen hit the “The strength of a building can only be tested campaign trail ahead of the 2013 general election, and proven by how firm it stands despite the she knew well that politics had no place for the changing and challenging seasons.” faint-hearted. After winning the ODM Party nominations She was aware that challenges were inevitable in March 2013, Owen was assured of a smooth and they could either build or destroy her. stub at the general elections. The rude awakening However, being a leader meant that she must when the party allegedly gave its ticket to a take a stand and remain focused on her goal of loser instead jerked her into a whole new set of

12 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 events that led to her election on the little known Cooperation Women Network Kenya Chapter Reform Party of Kenya, (RPK). “Because of this, among many other leadership positions. my supporters realised that the most important Her stint in the County Assembly where thing is the individual, not the party agenda.” Her she serves as a member of the Public Health, strong will, hard work and determination saw her Environment and Budget Committees among beat all odds to overcome the ODM Party wave others that have seen her actively participate in and get elected on the FPK ticket. She trounced community development, including debating eight men. motions on the Assembly floor. The 2013 elections were not her first. In She is keen to defend devolution and ensure 2007 Owen was first elected unopposed as the that community initiated projects are given councilor for Kisumu North Ward on the RPK priority throughout her term as the representative Party ticket. of Kisumu North Ward. Owen envisions Owen, the Minority Whip in the Kisumu Kisumu County as an icon of self-sufficiency County Assembly demonstrates that she has in Agriculture, Economic Development, Trade, not just taken a stand for herself but for the Tourism and a sanctuary of peace and security in benefit of the people of Kisumu North Ward, the Kenya. women and the nation at large. She remains a Owen is working on two crucial bills that she force to reckon with in Kisumu County politics says will see Kisumu County ahead of the pack and women’s participation in decision-making in terms of embracing the spirit and of Chapter platforms that have seen her also get elected Eleven of the Constitution of Kenya. Renown chairlady of the Kisumu County Assembly for her stand on the anti cultural sitting astride Women Caucus (KICAWOCA). She also position on bikes, Owen maintains “women served as national secretary of the Association ought to be weary of how wearing skirts and of Local Government Authorities of Kenya sitting position reflect on our culture and mien (ALGAK) Women Councilors Caucus when as a people hoping to preserve their culture she was councilor for East Kisumu Ward and as and heritage.” She further notes that “the new chairperson of the Lake Region Local Authorities traffic regulations banning the side-ways sitting

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 13 position on bikes is ill informed since the drafters herself attending political rallies. She recalls a do not have first hand experience on that mode day when she was the only girl at a political rally. of transportation and therefore cannot purport However, this did not deter her. Instead she was to understand the predicament of women, such encouraged to press on because she was clear that as myself, bound by culture, religion, status in women and girls needed to be assertive to rise society or shear comfort, to sit sideways and into leadership and political positions. are happy doing so.” She promises to fight the Owen always admired how elderly leaders regulation, noting that all Kenyans have a right articulated issues on political reform. The late to choose how they ride, including the minority Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was the source of her who sit sideways, who are mainly women. inspiration “because he was wise.” When still in primary school, Owen knew what Just like her role model, Owen dreamt of her focus in life was. Although a quiet student, she running for the presidency. “I always like to lead, was clear and emphatic about what she believed do things with people as well as help others achieve in and wanted to do. Because of this stand, she their goals.” Her entry into politics was driven by always found herself on the wrong side with the need to serve people. Her soft-spoken nature teachers, parents and fellow students. greatly endeared her to the electorate. Owen grew up in the political shadows of the Her strategy has been to listen to the voices of Odinga family, keenly following Nyanza political her constituents and not impose her will on them. dynamics as the lakeside region shifted from “I did not launch myself on the platform by telling Ford Kenya to National Development Party, people ‘nimetosha’ because you don’t just say you New KANU, Liberal Democratic Party, National want to be the MP or Councilor. Let the people Rainbow Coalition (NARC) and later ODM. themselves tell you to go for it.” Jaramogi Oginga Odinga wanted her to become Born on 20th October 1969, Owen attended a teacher because, “as a teacher, you will always Maranda Primary School before proceeding to develop yourself career-wise and do anything you Nyakongo Girls’ High School where she stayed want.” Although she was very young at the advent up to form three. of multi-partyism in 1992, Owen always found She would later relocate to Majiwa Secondary

14 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 School where she sat for her Certificate of women like to stay in the village. She would engage Secondary Education in 1987. with women and the youth in the community to She later attained a Diploma in Public Relations provide labour. While at it, she found that a lot of from the International Centre for Management in young people were dropping out of school while Nairobi. She later worked with the Coffee Research women were struggling to eke a living. “Whatever Foundation in Ruiru as a research assistant from they were earning each day would only buy food, 1989 to October 2002. Her 14-year employment firewood, and water, leaving them with nothing.” at the parastatal saw her elected secretary to the To mitigate against the challenges facing the credit committee of the giant Jacaranda SACCO women, she decided to organise them into groups where she served until 2002 when restructuring to empower themselves economically. of the human resource saw her among the She quickly organised the women to start Mama retrenched employees. The setback did not deter Power Development — an organization through her from scaling the heights of leadership. which the women would be able to support their A mother of three boys aged between 10 and children’s education. 22 years, Owen decided to get into business, What influenced the choice of name? “I thought traversing the East African countries to supply about this name because I felt that women had a dagaa (omena) for animal feeds. “We would get lot of power and could easily make use of it.” orders from companies like Unga Feeds and Little did she know that this would be hers Milling Corporation of Kenya in Nakuru to for the taking as today she is fondly referred deliver some of the supplies.” to as ‘Mama Power’. She is also the patron of Later on she decided to venture into farming Mama Power Development Women Group and after relocating to the village from her Nairobi’s member of Kisumu North District Education South B estate home where she left her young Board. Owen who has bigger political dreams family under the care of her husband to look after advises women keen on political leadership to her ailing mother-in-law. have a broad agenda for their people instead of This was a very rare move because not many only concentrating on women’s issues.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 15 Hon Caroline Awuor Agwanda, Nominated

about her leadership skills which started at a very early age when she was a student at Nyabondo Girls’ School. In retrospect, she realises that teachers had identified her as a leader despite the stigma persons with disability endure even in schools. “Children can be so insensitive to the extent of making nasty comments about one’s impairment. For a child or a person with disability it takes extra skills to manage and deal with the ridicule that comes from the society. However, once you are above the society’s standards and expectations, the support you get from communities is amazing.” he visionary Caroline Agwanda has Married with one child, Agwanda has Tbuilt a reputation as a human rights previously received good publicity about her campaigner and is particularly vocal about the skills in entrepreneurship and management of rights of people with disability. the environment. It is this that saw her nominated by the ODM Agwanda is the chairperson of the Hyacinth party to represent special interest groups as the and Ornaments Production Enterprise representative for persons with disability. (HOPE), a community based organisation that Soft spoken yet stern, Agwanda reminisces comprises largely of persons with disability.

16 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 HOPE uses the hyacinth weed to produce community leadership. Her mantra, which outstanding products that include mats, is ‘do not be part of the problem but always baskets and bags. They also produce other be part of the solution’, helped us settle well African based jewellery and outfits for sale. in unfamiliar territories within the political Her leadership has seen the organisation framework. engage in high-level exchange and marketing “We always ensure that we contribute to programmes including attending exhibitions the development of our parties either through in Uganda and Rwanda, as well as international funds mobilisation or technical support.” trade fairs in Finland, Norway, and New York, She was inspired into political leadership among others. by Martha Karua, a veteran politician who Through the support of the United Disabled was also a presidential candidate in the 2013 Persons of Kenya (UDPK) and National General Election. Council for Persons with Disability, the She admired the courage that Karua took organisation was able to secure a shop at to run for the top seat in the country amidst Kisumu International Airport, which acts many challenges, which ranged from gender as a marketing outlet for goods produced by stereotyping and violence to limited financial persons with disability. resources. It is actually through the capacity building “What inspired me is her resilience to and leadership programme at the UDPK that fight the war to the end. Her spirit remained the urge to engage in politics seriously was unbowed.” Now that she is sitting in the ignited for Agwanda. Kisumu County Assembly, Agwanda hopes to “The Director of UDPK at that time, Helen strengthen ODM’s performance in disability Obande, kept reminding us that ‘if persons mainstreaming. with disability are not represented around the A research on Disability and Political table, then our issues will take a back seat’. representation that was conducted in 2013 “Obande pushed us to fight and jostle for indicates that ODM is the most disability our spaces within the parties and also in inclusive party.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 17 The party has adopted some inclusion and her into the current leadership role. “Electoral reasonable accommodation measures. and political leadership requires the support Agwanda hopes to entrench this practice of those around us, from family to friends and in policy and practice. She is also optimistic officials within political parties because every that she will promote inclusive legislation and support counts.” Her advice to women who policies in the Kisumu County Assembly. have an interest in politics is to make their Agwanda appreciates the role played by intention known and to engage very closely her party members and leaders, the women’s with parties as they are the main avenues to wing, friends and her husband in catapulting political leadership in Kenya.

18 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Carolyne Awuor Ogot, Nominated employed as a clinical officer. To ensure the centre’s sustainability, Ogot went into the business of buying Nile Perch fish bones which she would then use to make jewellery. These were sold and the proceeds used to buy food for the children. Through the innovation she received attention from media houses. The best thing that came out of her efforts is that the fish bones, that were an eyesore within Kisumu Municipality, had now become a treasured resource. Other than working with destitute children, she also mobilised resources that would be used towards women’s empowerment. ven before the 2013 General Election Ogot, the secretary of Kisumu County EHon Caroline Ogot had made a name Assembly Women Caucus is a trained primary for herself, being outspoken on women’s and school teacher with a rich teaching experience children’s rights in Kisumu. in different rural schools between 1989 and She had already established Shinners Centre, 1996. She attended Rapogi Girls’ Boarding a community based organisation in 1997, School in South Nyanza, before joining Ahero which works to improve the welfare of women, Girls’ Secondary School. She later joined New youth and children. Kisumu High for Form Five and Six. She With Ogot as founder and coordinator, the also holds a Higher Diploma in Community centre prides itself in having cared for over Development from the University of Nairobi 72 disadvantaged children, one of who is now and is currently pursuing a degree in Education

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 19 at the Kenyatta University. politics through affirmative action that gave However, while she has enjoyed working with Ogot reason to try her hand in what is known the needy in society, it was no secret that she as the dirty game. feared elective politics, which she saw as a “big “I only got interested in politics in this headache” for aspirants. new era of devolution that allows us (county When the 2013 General Election approached, assembly representatives) to pass policies that Ogot set her sight on a nominative position. but touch women’s lives positively and be able to she was mistaken in thinking this was the easy speak for the voiceless. The previous political way out. When she applied for nomination as system did not offer such an opportunity and Member of the County Assembly, Ogot realised to me this politics was not worth it.” that there was no difference between elective Ogot is the deputy chair of the Welfare and and nominative positions in politics as both Equal Opportunities Committee and also sits required spirited lobbying and campaigning. in the County Assembly’s Health, Agriculture At the time of sending in her application, and Labour Committees. Ogot was not sure if the Orange Democratic “The devolved system of governance has Movement (ODM) party would nominate her. given us an opportunity to do a lot of oversight “I believe the work I did in helping women to ensure that budgets are gender sensitive and and children in the community, as well as the monies utilised properly. It has also given me a publicity from media gave me a higher stake platform to extend the work that I’m doing in than the other hopefuls.” the community.” “Working with the media in Kisumu made me Ogot minces no words in spelling out where realise that it is the best platform one can use to her loyalty lies. “I am a loyal member of ODM push for what they want. They will highlight you and have been in every party that Hon. Raila in the public and give you an image. I believe Odinga has been involved in.” they have the capacity to influence people.” Although Ogot holds no position within the It is the new Constitution, which opened political party, she views herself as a public up space for women to be involved more in speaker. She has worked closely with politicians

20 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 including Peter Odoyo, former Nyakach MP, (SDA) Church was her first mentor in her John Olago Aluoch (who has been the Kisumu journey to leadership. Town West MP from 2007 to date), and 2013 “Mama Edith realised that I was very timid parliamentary hopeful, Farida Salim who while growing up and pointed this out, is now a nominated member of the County cautioning me that the world out there is so Assembly in Kisumu. hostile and I must learn to speak out.” Born 46 years ago, raised and married in In the political sphere, her role models Nyakach, Ogot is a mother of three sons. The include Mama Phoebe Asiyo, who is the former first born in a family of seven, she commends Member of Parliament for Karachuonyo and her parents, especially her stern mother Kezia Mama Grace Ogot, who served as MP for Ojenge, for teaching her strong Christian Gem. values of honesty, integrity and respect for “These leaders have shown the strength of fellow women. Her mother, who was a nurse, a woman and proved to the nation, especially also pushed her to explore potential to solve the Luo community, that women can lead even and overcome challenges as a team. better. They are humble, respectful, committed Ogot credits her philanthropic work to and focused all the way. lessons from her father. “He was orphaned at a “I admire both Ogot and Asiyo for their tender age and brought up in the hands of well- strength and capability to rise above a culture wishers in the community. This formed the basis that looks down upon women. They were able of my foundation to leadership and eventually to rise above criticism and abuse and did not moulded me into service for the people, more invite negative publicity to themselves.” so the less fortunate and vulnerable in the Ogot also admires the late Princess Diana of society.” Wales for carrying herself in humility and for At different stages of life, Ogot has come her generosity. “You cannot feed people by the across different personalities who are special word; you have to feel with them, know when in one way or another in her life. Mama Edith they are hungry and cannot afford it and know Watta, an elder at the Seventh Day Adventist when they are in need.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 21 “You have to empathise with them and come women’s leadership has not been embraced. down to their level. You cannot stay up there Emphasising that information is power, Ogot and expect them to feel with you. Sometimes advises leaders, and especially women aspiring you have to learn to go down and other times for elective positions, to seek information, read you have to rise up.” and consult widely as well as work with other Ogot has won an award for her philanthropic actors such as media. work. In the aftermath of the 2007 post- Ogot prefers to sit down with people to plan election violence, Ogot worked hard to provide and accomplish development in the community. basic needs to the victims, and was awarded She wants to ensure that during this term in the ‘Walking the Talk’ Award by the Norwegian the County Assembly, resources will reach the Embassy. people for public good. Ogot acknowledges that despite efforts Most importantly, she wants to make sure towards gender equality, certain gaps still that her people are well represented to get their exist , especially in culture and religion where share from the devolved government.

22 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Eunice Atieno Miruka, Nominated colleagues first’. They deny me the chance to speak, especially when it’s group discussion.” Miruka is no ordinary 24-year-old. Listening to her, one cannot help agreeing that she is indeed in the right place and that politics is her forte. “I don’t feel intimidated being the youngest member in the county. I always counter the bullying by insisting on speaking in the Assembly. Some of my friends instruct our colleagues to wait until I speak. It’s just a matter of making friends with those you can for support.” Miruka has come to understand that in politics “men still see women as flower girls; t only 24 years, Kisumu County they do not see them as leaders so women AAssembly’s youngest member, Eunice have to stand strong to be heard”. Her advice Atieno Miruka has achieved what many of her to women is that they must face challenges age mates would only dream of and that which head on if they want to climb up the political some of her colleagues seem to think is a task ladder. too big for her. Orphaned in 1996 at the age of six, a year “I am often bullied by colleagues who refer before she joined nursery class at Chepterit to me as a ‘child’. When I want to make Primary School in Eldoret (now in Kapsabet contributions I’m told ‘you child you cannot County), Miruka knew that she had to shed tell us anything... can we hear from your the ‘baby’ tag and chart her own path as she

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 23 puts it to record that she will pursue her highest Born in Kano on November 20th, 1990 potential in politics. Miruka was raised in Nyakach. She did not vie Being in the Kisumu County Assembly is not for any political position in the last General her first major assignment. Soon after sitting Election, nor did she apply for nomination. Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education She believes working with the youth in (KCSE) examination at Bodi Secondary School Nyakach highly influenced her nomination in upper Nyakach, Miruka volunteered as “because the youth are the ones who were English, Maths and Swahili teacher at Soku pushing me to go and represent them in the Primary School from January to March 2010. County Assembly.” She joined Kaimosi Teachers’ Training College “We are in a world where men want to from 2010 to 2012 and graduated as a primary dominate everything. So for a woman to school teacher. succeed, you have to double your resources She had another stint as a volunteer teacher compared to men. Men were unfair in the at Olwalo Primary School from January to July campaign trail as they would hurl insults at 2013, when the Orange Democratic Movement women competitors to demoralise and even (ODM) party nominated her to represent stop them from addressing gatherings in the the interests of youth in the Kisumu County community. All in all we survived and captured Assembly. seats.’’ Other than teaching, Miruka has done a lot Miruka recognises her father-in-law John of community work with youth in Nyakach, Oketch and Ochieng Daima, former MP for encouraging them to form groups that will Nyakach, as the people who inspired her into enable them easily access support to improve joining politics. A virtue that she admires from their livelihoods. her father-in-law is that he solves issues as She has helped build the capacity of young they are. “He tells the truth, is transparent and girls in the community on how to behave while accountable.” in school and ensure they complete their basic On the other hand, the former MP saw her education. leadership potential and urged her on. “He used

24 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 to say that I could be a leader and when people abusive language on their opponents. discouraged me, saying that I was still young Miruka’s advice to the youth is that nothing could not make it on a political platform, it is he comes on a silver platter. “They should fight who encouraged me, saying a day would come and find their own space. They should identify when I would be able to stand on a platform to their talents, come out and implement them in solve issues and influence people.” the society.” Miruka also praises ODM as a party with Miruka’s agenda during her political term is a good profile that is keen to address societal to see change in the lives of youth. “Many youth problems. cannot find jobs because employers have high She views politics as important in her life expectations that every potential employee because “it makes us get the good leaders that must have work experience of up to 10 years.” we want. We know they are good leaders when “Look at my age now, where can I get such we can see what they tell us. experience if I was to be employed now? I want It is for us to choose between those who to draft a bill to enable youth get jobs even address our issues effectively and those who lie without long work histories. This will ensure to us. In politics we can differentiate between the youth stop lagging behind.” honest and deceitful leaders.” In the County Assembly, Miruka sits in three She laments that there are many women who committees — Security and Administration, are educated but just sit at home. “They should Roads and Public Works, as well as House come out and show their potential because Procedures and Rules. I know they are talented but sitting on their Miruka attended Chepterit Primary School talents.” Miruka would want a society that does in Eldoret up to Standard Six from 1997-2003, not underrate or discourage those who want then joined Mill Hill Mission School where she to vie for leadership positions, regardless of sat her KCPE. age and gender. “Society should let everybody She then joined Bodi Secondary School in find their spaces.” She urges politicians to Nyakach from 2006-2009. She is married in endeavour to articulate issues rather than using Central Nyakach with one child.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 25 Hon Farida Ahmed Salim, Nominated Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket for the Kisumu Central parliamentary seat. Although she lost the ticket to Ken Mirenga Obura, who is the sitting MP, the ODM nominations remind her of how relentlessly she needs to achieve her political ambition. Her position is that women need to strategise on how best to engage at party primaries which is critical in an election process. “As a first timer, one is bound to make many mistakes, but it is a learning process and women should not be discouraged.” In many instances Salim came face-to- he is measured and assertive when she face with gender based violence during her Sspeaks and easily appeals to her varied campaigns, including verbal and physical audiences. Her posture, grace, charm and good violence against women. grasp of the national and local Kisumu politics She did not give up but instead continued is enviable. playing a prominent role in campaigning for Listening to Hon Farida Ahmed Salim, one and publicising the party and its candidates in immediately concludes that she is a veteran the general election. politician. Yet Salim is a newcomer in politics. She managed to secure a chance at the party’s She made her debut into politics in the 2013 National Executive Council (NEC) and Friends General Election when she presented herself of Raila (FORA) Movement — the organs for nomination with the hope of winning the that vigorously campaigned for the ODM

26 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 presidential flag bearer, Hon Raila Odinga. Her leadership ability manifested much It is no wonder then that when Salim applied earlier when she was appointed class prefect to ODM for nomination as a Member of the at Kaloleni Primary School and then head-girl County Assembly, she got overwhelming in Kisumu Girls’ High School where she won support from the party, friends and family as the hearts of fellow pupils and students with well as the entire Kisumu community. her ability to solve problems and deal with Salim’s roots are in Kisumu County where issues presented to her. This earned her the she was born and raised. She attended Kaloleni reputation as one of the best leaders in both Primary School until 1987, before joining schools’ histories. Kisumu Girls’ High School, leaving in 1991. She Salim became actively involved with the then joined Kenyatta University for a Degree in community from 2003 while lecturing at Education, graduating in 1997. Kisumu Polytechnic. Through the community Salim then lectured at Kisumu Polytechnic work, she confronted abject poverty and for 15 years from1998. While at Kisumu suffering of the people around her. These Polytechnic, she coordinated the gender challenges inspired her ambition for political mainstreaming committee under which she leadership and strengthened her urge to trained student leaders on gender issues as well participate in decision-making platforms as leadership and governance. within the community. Her friends and colleagues describe her as “Being in a leadership position would provide brave, courageous and resourceful. Salim credits the much needed platform to address the her strength and assertiveness to her upbringing people’s needs.” Salim is a founder member in a strict Muslim family background. and the secretary of Kisumu County Women “My parents not only believed in educating Leadership Caucus (KCWLC) that aims to girls but also taught us strong religious values empower and nurture women leaders to take of caring for the deprived in society. My dad up leadership positions and actively participate would always advise us to exalt God in whatever in development matters of Kisumu county. In we do and to always pray.” the County Assembly, she is the coordinator

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 27 of Kisumu County Assembly Women Caucus Management at the University of Nairobi, has (KICAWOCA) which “desires to translate the remained consistent in promoting development number of women in the county assembly and social reforms in her community. into meaningful participation. The nominated She played a critical role during and after positions, for her are a yardstick of measuring the 2007 post-election violence where she the performance of women that will in future championed peace and trained survivors, decide whether women should be voted in or community and religious leaders in Kisumu, n ot .” Kisii and Homa Bay counties on how to Farida says in order for the electorate to be overcome stigma associated with gender based convinced by women’s leadership, the women violence, self-denial and discrimination. must work very hard and ensure they deliver In September 2012, Salim stopped teaching services to the society and shun any forms of much to the chagrin and surprise of her close corruption in their lines of duty. associates, but with a lot of support from her “New women leaders have to set the pace for husband and father. “I wanted to be part and other women in order to open more spaces.” parcel of the decision-making platform.” In 2004, Salim founded the WINAM Self- For the time she has been in Kisumu County Help Group — a social outfit aimed at uniting Assembly where she represents the marginalised, Muslim women. Later, she found the Kisumu Salim has committed her time towards ensuring Muslim Development Initiative, a community that decision-making processes are transparent based organisation focused on addressing and all inclusive. challenges facing ordinary Muslim women, She has also constantly advocated for access which she cites as early marriage, high illiteracy to reproductive and maternal health care and levels and high school dropout among Muslim by the time of publishing this book, Salim had girls, as well as reluctance to openly talk about presented two motions on high maternal and their health issues. child mortality and the need for a women’s Salim who is currently pursuing a Master hospital in Kisumu county, waiting to be of Arts Degree in Project Planning and tabled in the Assembly. She plans to establish

28 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 a fund for community health workers to help (Mobilising Advocates from Civil Society) empower them to be effective and help boost Kenya and is currently mentoring young service delivery in their line of duty within the women leaders in the ‘Jua Jimbo’ project of the County. Youth Alive! Kenya. Salim who represents Kisumu County She also has lots of appreciation for Mrs. Assembly in the Governing Council of County Munira Gilani, Manager of Gilani Holdings Assemblies Forum notes unemployment has Limited in Kisumu. “She has been very given rise to high levels of insecurity, which instrumental especially in supporting me in continues to scare away investors from Kisumu areas where we share problems. I have learnt County. alot from her. As the first female President of Operating under the notion that ‘Politics is the Aga Khan Council of Kisumu, she kept on Not War’, Salim enjoys good rapport with her encouraging me to press on with my political colleagues in the assembly. ambitions.” Being a first timer in politics, Salim has She hopes to be the voice of reason in her learnt to harden herself and press on through legislative, oversight and representation roles. the rough terrain. “Politics is part and parcel She is a member of the following committees of our lives. It is what defines our actions, and — House Business, Justice and Legal Affairs, therefore a critical aspect of our lives that cannot Welfare and Equal Opportunities, ICT and be ignored and it is not for the fainthearted.” e-governance, Privileges, Finance and Health Salim is happy with the positive coverage she Services where she is the vice chair. gets in the media and thanks the Association of Salim who is a member of the Kenya Female Media Women in Kenya, (AMWIK) for that. Advisory Organisation (KEFEADO) fondly “I am now able to realise that our work is not mentions its founder, the late Dolphine Oketch going to be in vain.” she remarks. for mentoring her into leadership through On whether she will again vie for the Kisumu trainings and capacity building. Central Parliamentary seat, the answer is: “ The The MCA is also a member of MACS Sky is the limit.”

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 29 Hon Jane Atieno Omollo, Nominated leader and conscious of the need to make the world a better place, especially for women. “I wanted to lead from a young age and to sensitise women on leadership.” This was informed by the fact that in her home “area women are shy, they don’t want to come out…you will find a very well educated woman who cannot even talk in front of men.” “When women go to general meetings, you will find them tying lessos round their waists to sit on grass even when there are seats, yet both men and women were created equal in God’s eyes.” Omollo’s advice to women is that they should ne cannot stop admiring her humour, not lower their dignity because “even the men Ohigh negotiating skills and powerful do not tell them to sit on grass.” voice as she discourses conversantly on national Wherever Omollo has traversed, even in party politics. Precisely, she is confident, tactical, politics, she has never shied away from expressing sociable and compassionate, factors that make her interest to lead. “In ODM, I showed interest Hon Jane Omollo a skilled politician. that I wanted to lead in the party very early and Omollo’s interest in public leadership started I have done the same in many organisations in school where she was eloquent in debate, within Kisumu County successfully.” and this often saw her getting into positions She has served as assistant secretary for of leadership. The responsibilities honed her Maendeleo ya Wanawake (MYWO), the largest leadership skills. She grew up aspiring to be a women’s grassroots body in Kenya in the greater

30 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 . Omollo has “been in politics into the station near Ahero town.” since the beginning of multipartyism when While Omollo did not apply to be nominated, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga led Ford she believes she may have been selected by ODM party before it was split. She later interacted for being an active party member. with all the other parties that were related to “I have participated in many party elections, Raila Odinga before ending up at the Orange from grassroots to county level, in which I was Democratic Movement (ODM) party. She first elected the deputy treasurer of ODM mainstream participated in politics by attending rallies then since 2010. I did mobilisation for ODM soon later developed an interest in holding leadership after the nomination exercise ahead of the last positions at the grassroots, a move that saw election.” people notice her. Before vying for the deputy treasurer’s position During the ODM party nominations ahead in ODM, Omollo served as assistant secretary of the general election, Omollo joined the race for ODM in Ahero sub-location (2004-2010). with the ambition of becoming Member of the In 2006, she became the party’s national delegate County Assembly for Onjiko Awasi Ward. for Kisumu County until 2010. However, she was pressed upon to step Due to lack of knowledge, she did not apply down in favour of a male hopeful after party for nomination. “I did not know that those negotiations. Then she was the deputy treasurer interested in being nominated were supposed to of ODM in Kisumu County. apply. However, my people were confident that Omollo recalls with horror the violence meted I would get a nomination because they were on women during campaigns ahead of the 2013 pushing for it and word had already spread.” general election which were both verbal and When the party’s regional office set out to look physical. for strong and active members for nomination, She was attacked by gun-wielding thugs they invited suggestions from people on the allegedly hired by her political opponents. ground on who their preferred candidate for “Fortunately, the location of assault was next to nomination would be. Omollo is the only a police post and my driver brilliantly drove fast nominated member of County Assembly from

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 31 Nyando Constituency. “The people said I was “When people kept telling me to vie for a the best because they had seen how I had worked political position and even assuring me that they for the party and community. I’ve always been would vote for me, I kept telling them, ‘my time active in the party.” will come, and God’s time is the best, just give However, when the Independent and Electoral me time’.” Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gazetted Other than politics, Omollo is very generous nominees, her name was missing. In her place to the vulnerable. “I’ve paid school fees for needy was a male nominee, a Mr Washington Auma students. whose name was abbreviated as W. Auma Oriare You know even when you give a person a bottle so IEBC assumed from the surname ‘Auma’ that of water, she or he will never forget. I think that’s it was a woman. how they judged me.” On realising the mistake, her supporters Her role models include Martha Karua, Mrs. pushed her to pursue the matter in Nairobi. Charity Ngilu and veteran politician, Phoebe “IEBC had stated clearly that people with Asiyo. She admires Ngilu and Karua for their complaints should lodge them within three days courage. “I fell in love with Ngilu when she and the list was published in the newspapers on declared her interest in the presidency. I asked Saturday so I had to rush to Nairobi to lodge my myself, ‘who is this bold young girl and what complaint.” is in her mind to emerge and declare that she At IEBC, upon approval by the party, her wants to be president of Kenya?’ I supported and complaint was confirmed to be genuine. even voted for her.” Born on February 11th, 1959 in Kakolla, Ahero For Karua, she notes: “For somebody who sub-Location, Nyando Constituency (now can face a man and tell him to his face, ‘you Nyando Sub-County in Kisumu) and married cannot bwogo (intimidate) me...’ it’s not a matter in Onjiko Awasi Ward in Nyando Sub County, of fighting but when Karua makes a point, she Omollo was nominated to represent women’s wants it to be understood very clearly. When interests. The mother of eight had never vied for she stood to talk in Parliament everyone listened a civic seat before due to lack of resources. and I’ve never heard anybody shouting her down.

32 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 She is very eloquent and straight to the point.” transferred to Got Rateng in Kasipul Kabondo in Omollo remembers Asiyo as the lady who stood South Nyanza where she did her CPE in 1975. firm and advocated for women to be included in From 1976-1979 she attended Nyabururu affairs of the county, including membership to Secondary School in Kisii where she did her the Luo Council of Elders.” KAPE. She later trained as a teacher at Thogoto “Culturally, Luos believe women do not grow Teachers’ Training College in Kiambu County old and, therefore, cannot join the Luo Council in 1981. of Elders. But Asiyo who is now the chairperson She taught at Okiro Primary School between of the Luo Women Council of Elders asked 1984 and 1988, then left to venture into business them; ‘when you marry, you marry when you are in 1990, selling grains at Nyamakima in Nairobi young. When the man grows old and becomes until she joined politics as an activist. a Luo elder why can’t the woman who has also Among other leadership positions she has grown old with him become a Luo elder? Now held are serving in the Board of Governors of women have been included in the council of Ahero Sub-District Hospital as treasurer until elders.” 2013. She is a founder of the JOJAMESHO She thanks the civil society for continuously Sacco based in Kisumu, an organisation that empowering women who she encourages to boasts of over 600 members. actively engage in politics and contest for all Omollo is a member and treasurer for Water elective positions. “There are no short cuts. Resource Users Association (WRUA) established Women must not sit back and wait for affirmative under Water Resource Management Authority action.” (WARMA) in Kisumu town. Omollo taught in different schools before In the Kisumu County Assembly, Omollo joining politics. She last taught in Okiro Primary sits in three committees — Selection, Water School as an Early Childhood Development and Resource Management and Legislative (ECD) teacher before resigning to do business Delegated. Her development plan includes and farming. She attended Karanda Primary prioritising community water projects and adult School in Ahero for five years before being education.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 33 Hon Lydia Achieng’ Odhiambo, Nominated the first form one student to contribute in the school debating competition.” Since then, the 31-year-old County member has been passionate about gender issues and the need for women to equitably participate in decision-making. She has never shied away from having her voice heard on this. Born in Nyabondo Location, Nyakach constituency, Odhiambo who was nominated to represent the interests of youth in the Kisumu County Assembly and is currently serving as assistant secretary of KICAWOCA, studied at Kabete Primary School from 1989 to 1996 before proceeding to Sinyolo Girls’ lthough she missed an opportunity Secondary School. Ato join the Kenya Medical Training She then taught at Kabete and Nyabondo College in 2007, her passion for community primary schools, both located in the county, service saw her volunteer at Nyakach Network as an untrained teacher between 2007 and for People with HIV and AIDS (NYANEPHA) 2008. in Nyakach Constituency. In April 2011, she moved to Rwanda’s St This provided an opportunity for Hon Lydia Vincent Palotti Nursery and Primary Schools Achieng’ Odhiambo to sharpen her oratory in Masaka Village, where she worked until skills. Seven years earlier in 1997 as a Form November 2012. One student, she realised her leadership Upon her return to Kenya from Rwanda, she potential at Sinyolo Girls’ High School. “I was registered for a diploma in Early Childhood

34 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Development Education at Potential Institute She also looks up to Mbita legislator, Hon of Education in Kisumu. Millie Odhiambo, whom she describes as a Although she has always liked politics, fighter who started her political journey as a Odhiambo says discrimination against women nominated MP. “If you look at her today, she has in politics discouraged her from vying for any climbed up the ladder.” Odhiambo applauds position in the 2013 General Election. the cordial relationship that they experience “I have, however, learnt to be confident and in the Assembly. She notes her readiness for now I am a member of the Kisumu County effective and active participation of women Assembly, using my position to ensure that and youth in the County Assembly. motions and bills brought before the County Her advice to women: “It matters not the Assembly are sensitive to the youth and position you are in, just strive to be better, women’s issues.” show interest in whatever opportunity and go Odhiambo is not new to party factions. She for it.” served as youth delegate representing Nyakach Odhiambo’s priority during this term in the Constituency in the Orange Democratic Assembly will be to ensure implementation of Movement (ODM) party from 2010 to 2012. all projects designed to assist the community. Later when disagreements emerged, she To achieve this, she counts on her honesty, joined hands with like-minded colleagues transparency and accountability to the youth from Upper Nyakach to form the Upper that she represents in the County Assembly. Nyakach Youth Alliance where she was elected Her debating skills are evident in her eloquence secretary. Her duties included Mobilising and grasp of County Assembly matters. youth to actively and peacefully engage in In the Kisumu County Assembly, she political dispensation. serves in the ICT committee where she is One of Odhiambo’ role models in politics the vice chairperson and also sits in various is former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, committees namely ECD, Culture and “because of the tribulations he went through Community Services, Delegated County to open up the democratic space in Kenya”. Legislation, Agriculture, Health and Selection

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 35 committees. In 2013 Odhiambo witnessed referring to me.” violence perpetrated against women and was Then came another forum where she left in total shock. witnessed her female colleague who is an She fondly remembers the events in one elected MCA (name withheld) face the rally where people insisted that she talks, political baptism in a manner that sent chills “This guy said that, ‘Lydia is very young, tell down her spine. her to go slow, she is like somebody’s project.’ “Otieno embarrassed her that she lost Then somebody shouted from the crowd the courage to address her supporters that that ‘Otieno (not his real name) will kill you,’ evening.”

36 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Lydia Atieno Ndege, Nominated

with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD), they would assess women aspirants for possible assistance through posters and logistics to enable women ascend to leadership. “I chose PDP because of its manifesto as I was impressed by the party’s slogan, Mamlaka kwa Wananchi, which means ‘Power to the People’. I saw it as the best platform to enhance service delivery to the people, especially the young generation.” Vying for a political seat did not cross Ndege’s mind because it never occurred to her that she could seek a political position. ” I cannot say I was not ready, but even for you to vie, you need t never dawned on Hon Lydia Atieno a platform and PDP gave me the platform to INdege that she would one day represent belong.” the aspirations of the youth through a political Ndege’s nomination through the People’s platform. To her, participation in the activities Democratic Party (PDP) came as a surprise, of a little known political party was only “one of long after major political parties had had their those things one does”. share. Ndege’s political career started when she joined It is an opportunity that she does not regret the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat having embraced. “The nomination has given as a volunteer only six months to the March me a platform that I will use to work not only 2013 General Election. Then, in conjunction with the youth, and especially the girl child.”

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 37 Prior to joining politics, Ndege who represents and women who inspired her in politics, former interests of the youth in the Kisumu County Member of Parliament and current chair of the Assembly worked with GMC HENNER, an Centre for Multiparty Democracy, Omingo international humanitarian organisation in Magara, stands tall among them. Magara is also Nairobi as a programme officer in the medical the party leader for PDP. department for two and half years. The other person is her elder brother, Harold The job gave her an opportunity to interact Ndege who lost the bid for Nairobi’s Embakasi with a variety of leaders and ordinary people West parliamentary seat in the 2013 general including those from low-income backgrounds election. as well as the vulnerable. Before then, she briefly Her other long time role models include worked for General Motors as an administrative the Nobel Peace Laureate and renowned assistant for six months and later as a customer environmentalist, the late Prof Wangari Maathai, care officer at Airtel. and Charity Ngilu, who is the Cabinet Secretary The 2010 alumnus of Makerere University for Lands and Housing. Ndege admires Ngilu studied Bachelor of Arts in Development for she “is strong willed, a fighter and among Studies, specialising in Rural Project Planning the first women to fight for the place of women and Management. in Parliament”. Ndege attended Nairobi River Primary School At 29-years-old, Ndege grew up in a Christian between 1991-1998 before joining Mukumu family that taught her religious values and Girls’ High School between 1999 and 2000. instilled leadership skills in her. “My mum used She would later transfer to Loreto Girls’ to encourage us that little can become more, and High School, Kiambu where she sat her Kenya that, in life, you have to start from somewhere Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in and grow gradually.” 2002. After her fourth form, Ndege went for her The third born in a family of two brothers and A-levels (form 5 and 6) at the London College one sister, Ndege appreciates her parents for of St. Lawrence in Kampala, between 2003 and moulding her into whom she is today. 2004. Although there are quite a number of men Noting that she did not have any difficulties

38 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 learning the ropes in the Kisumu County person in society is key.” Assembly, Ndege who also sits in the Justice and Her challenge has been lack of a ministry Legal Affairs Committee says she is working handling the affairs of the youth, women and closely with her colleagues to develop a motion children. “We don’t have a Ministry for Youth on the welfare of the youth and the girl child. Ministry in Kisumu County unlike other “This will see a more self-sufficient youth and counties. If we don’t have that Ministry then an empowered girl-child in Kisumu County equally we don’t have funds set-aside specifically once implemented.” for the youth.” Her leadership qualities are also evident in the However, she appeals to women to be brave manner in which she relates with her elected enough to pursue their goals, “Those keen in colleagues. joining politics must get out and follow their She is not bothered by the unease that has hearts by joining the male dominated field and characterised the relationship between elected fighting for their space.” and nominated members of county assemblies. Ndege also feels that women and youth are Despite lacking monetary resources and even still not regarded as equals in leadership and infrastructure like ward offices and bursaries, decision-making. “Especially as a woman, men like her elected colleagues, Ndege’s main worry think you are a flower girl.” is how she will use the opportunity to contribute She advocates for skills development among to the welfare of the youth in Kisumu County. youth. “The youth need to focus more on “Four years from now, I want it to be said that utilising their skills instead of waiting for the so- I helped 20 girls or so. My contribution as a called free monies from the government.”

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 39 Hon Malin Atieno Akinyi Kobura Ward, Nyando Constituency Born in Pap Onditi in Nyakach District, to Mzee Erastus Akinyi and Peres Omollo, 46-year-old Akinyi is better known for her community work where she volunteers in several local non-governmental organisations. Through these, she has helped raise school fees for needy children as well as supported women’s and youth groups to access vocational trainings. It was through her involvement in these activities that she was encouraged by members of her community to vie for the then Kochieng’ Ward in the 2007 General Election. “Dorothy Awino of Caucus for Women’s Leadership and Jennifer Opiyo of Economic he was not even known within party Development (ECONDEV), encouraged me to circles before 2007 because she had S go for it. They also showed me how to address never engaged in active party politics other the public and handle political challenges, than being a member of ODM. especially those propagated by men.” Hon Malin Atieno Akinyi, the elected However, upon joining the political race, Member of County Assembly for Kobura Akinyi was chided for being poor and not Ward in Kisumu Constituency admits that she having a vehicle among other material had never nursed political ambitions before possessions that are used to identify political the 2007 General Election. leaders.

40 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 She recalls being warned by some members husband taught in various primary schools in of her community that Dala ok chak gidhako (a the whole ward for a long time.” new home cannot be established by a woman), Akinyi also credits then Kisumu based ODM in reference to the race for Kobura Ward. political activist, the late Joseph Okeyo Oteen, However, Akinyi braved all this and pulled for supporting her on the ground. a surprise win against seven able male rivals. Her re-election was fuelled by the successful Like other female candidates countrywide, development projects she initiated in her first Akinyi had to endure emotional violence even term as councillor. as planned physical attacks on her failed to She established six water points besides take shape. She was also a victim of clan-based facilitating the construction of two classrooms politics, with “some saying that my clan cannot each in Migingo, Rabuor and Alendu primary lead twice”. schools in her Kochieng’ ward. She also Akinyi made history and went on to become pushed for the construction of Mbaga Bridge. the first woman to be re-elected in the ward “Because of these development initiatives, and the whole of Nyando Constituency, since people encouraged me to vie again even as I 1963. She built on the new constitutional wanted to opt out of the race.” dispensation which advocates for women’s Akinyi’s academic journey started at Kisure representation. “The fact that my party, ODM, Primary School in Nyakach Constituency encouraged women to vie for these posts also where she attended classes one to four between motivated me a lot.” 1975 and 1978. She then joined Kogola In 2007 Akinyi made history by becoming Primary for classes five and six between 1979 the first woman to be elected in the area. to 1980 before relocating to Kisure Primary for She partly attributes her landslide victory in her CPE Examination in 1981. She proceeded 2007 and re-election in 2013 to strong family to Kibos High School in 1982 for forms one to networks and friends who mobilised material four until 1985 when she sat her Certificate of and financial support. Secondary Education examination. “My family is so much loved in the ward. My Akinyi was aggressive from childhood. As

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 41 the first born in her family, she used to do Kisumu. Having gained skills on information all sorts of domestic chores regardless of her technology, she was engaged as secretary at the social status. institution for four years from 1995. She was also close to her father because she In her academic tray is also a certificate in believed that men were strong and wise. “My County Management, undertaken at the Kenya father was an opinion leader and a political College of Accountancy (KCA). activist who would interact and socialize with She is currently pursuing Political Science at many people who visited our homestead. “As the University of Nairobi’s Kisumu Campus. a day scholar, I would walk long distances Through support from the Centre for through the Kibos sugar belt plantations to Disease Control (CDC) and the Society of go to school waking up as early as 4:00 am to Women in Kenya (SWAK), she was trained in prepare in time for the tedious trips.” Community Development and Social Work. It was not easy as Akinyi also had to endure With the knowledge “I started a computer persistent lack of school fees, since what her bureau which is still running today”. father earned was not enough to be shared Her intelligence and commitment to among all siblings in their polygamous family. results propelled her to the helm of the After completing form four, Akinyi joined Implementation Committee as chair, even as Victory Bible College in 1988 for a two-year she sits in the Health, Children and Social course in Theology, after which she volunteered Services, Selection as well as the powerful in the church. It is while in the church that her House Business committees. leadership journey was nurtured. “I served as a Akinyi is the one who tabled a motion to Sunday School teacher for a long time because gazette dispensaries and health centres built I loved children.” through Constituency Development Funds Akinyi then joined Gulf Consultants and Local Authorities Transfer Fund (LATF) between 1989 to 1994, by then a Computer as beneficiaries of medical supplies by the and Information Technology College in Government.

42 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Nelly Beldinah Osok, Nominated

her mental clarity as she chronicles her life’s journey. In late March 2013, the retired teacher was contended with leading a quiet life as an all- round subsistence farmer specialising in planting cassava, maize, vegetables, finger millet, sunflower and producing sunflower oil, when news came that she had been nominated by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to the Kisumu County Assembly to represent the interests of women and youth. Osok had not applied for nomination nor did she see herself as eligible for a political seat. She had resignedly thought nobody t first glance, one is struck by her stamina would bother with her if she stood for election Aand confidence, as well as rich, full or even offered herself for nomination because voice and beaming room presence that make of her age. However, Osok knew who she was her a pleasure to watch and hear. At 75 years going to support from the county to national and being the oldest of the 20 female members level. of Kisumu County Assembly, Nelly Beldinah “I don’t know what happened. I was called Osok would be expected to look frail and worn by someone who told me, ‘we saw your name out, just like many other septuagenarians, yet somewhere’, then I said, “how, where?” then this is not the case. she told me her son had seen my name in the Osok is humble about her achievements newspapers, among those nominated to be and one’s imagination is further ignited by Members of the County Assembly by ODM.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 43 Then I bought the papers and saw my name.” uplifting their lives and during that time I made During this time, Osok had never imagined up my mind that I wanted to be a leader.” herself occupying a political seat, as majority Her husband, a former deputy chairman of those who make it in politics are noise of Kisumu County Council Authority and a makers. one-time nominated councilor, also played an Some politicians brainwash ordinary citizens influential role in her life, as he encouraged by giving hand outs as a strategy to remain in her to follow her dreams in life. power which makes campaigns hectic, full Now Osok has fully embraced her position of violence and very expensive, especially as Member of the Kisumu County Assembly for women, thereby adversely affecting their which provides her with an opportunity “to (women’s) growth and empowerment.” offer something to the community and to help However, Osok notes that her passion for those who are ready to learn farming”. helping her community engage in farming She now has better influence that she uses may have helped her get the nomination. “I to help members of her community access think people remembered me for what I do bursary forms. “Those who did not know and they saw that I had something to offer the me earlier now know I can do something for community.” them. I’m also trying to push more families in This does not mean that Osok, who was born Kisumu County to embrace farming.” in 1939 in Maseno District, had never nursed More importantly, Osok counts it a blessing political dreams. Her family’s association to hold an influential leadership position in her with powerful and influential politicians such sunset years. Nothing differentiates her work as Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, the former MP for from that of her younger colleagues. In fact, Kisumu Rural Constituency, now Senator for many would rate her highly as she has curved Kisumu County, as well as Secretary General a niche in championing for infrastructural of ODM got her interested in joining politics. development in the county. “I admired the way Nyong’o used to advice This has seen her come up with a motion people in the community, geared towards on health to regulate services at county health

44 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 facilities such as Chulaimbo District Hospital. Kisumu in standard one in 1950 and sat for the Her views are that substantial resources Kenya African Preliminary Exam (KAPE) in whether from government or donors should standard eight. She then joined Ng’iya Teachers’ be channelled towards helping grassroots Training College in 1958 and completed her P3 women. teaching course in 1959. Osok lauds ODM for championing It was here that Osok was identified by the constitutional change and reforms in the board of Ng’iya TTC to be in charge of class country. “It is only ODM which has been at the one at the Ng’iya Demonstration Centre forefront for real reforms with the devolved where she served for two years before officially system of governance as one of the living launching her 28-year-long teaching career examples.” with the Teachers’ Service Commission from In the County Assembly, she sits in the 1960 to 1988. Agriculture, Early Childhood Development She later registered for her Ordinary Level and Selection committees. and Advanced Level certificate examinations According to Osok, both elected and as a private candidate and was then promoted nominated members of County Assembly are to S1 Teacher, an equivalent of a diploma level. equal legislators in the House “so there is no She was trained again by the City Council to need for superiority complexes from those manage pre-primary education. elected.” Her call is for all to work in unity for While working under the Teachers’ Service the development of the county. Commission, Osok taught in schools managed Her passion for agriculture is evident as she by the Nairobi City Council. discusses various farming initiatives which she These were namely Morrison Primary in attributes to her rise in the community. Her Bahati, Pangani Primary School now known as farm in Maseno has served as a community Eastleigh Primary School, Riverbank Primary demonstration field frequented by women and School, Madaraka Estate Primary School and youth who are eager to learn farming. Kilimani Primary Schools for a total of 26 Osok joined Sawagongo Primary School in years.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 45 Before retirement at the age of 50, she was at the school, noting that no child failed exams identified by Magadi Soda Company, through during her tenure. secondment by Teachers’ Service Commission, Osok praises the Association of Media Women to start a school — Magadi Pre School — for in Kenya (AMWIK) and other organisations the workers’ children. including FIDA, Kenya Female Advocacy She taught and served as the school’s Organisation (KEFEADO), Diakonia and headmistress for seven years (two of which she UN Women for their commitment towards served under Teachers’ Service Commission) empowering women to leadership. She says between 1988 and 1994. AMWIK’s training on effective use of media She prides herself with creating a solid helped her to have courage in what she is now foundation for many children while she taught doing in the community.

46 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Nereah Akoth Okombo Manyatta B Ward, Kisumu East Constituency

This gives a glimpse of a day in the life of the honourable Member of the County Assembly, whose compassion for the poor and socially deprived is touching. Okombo’s office, situated in the heart of Manyatta B Estate is always packed with people of all walks of life, and she makes time for everyone as she juggles politics with class work and a young family. “Most of the young girls are joining form one in various schools but lack adequate school fees,” she explains. Okombo will listen to everyone, counsel them and occasionally dip into her handbag to help those in need. s we wait for our appointed interview Okombo impresses with her youthful Atime with Nereah Akoth Okombo, strength and energy which shines through elected Member of the County Assembly for her adaptability to the people in her ward. On Manyatta B Ward in Kisumu East Constituency, this date, even with her advanced pregnancy, the honourable member is busy attending she does not show a sign of exhaustion as she to a long queue of the Ward’s residents, who attends to everyone. include the young and old, women and men, With this scenario one then understands why all waiting to have an audience with her over she was overwhelmingly elected in Kisumu their problems. East Constituency’s Manyatta B Ward, and why

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 47 many local politicians view her as a force to where she studied Pharmaceutical Technology reckon with. and Social Work. Okombo attributes her She draws a lot of lessons from her upbringing immense knowledge on governance to a series to which she owes her election as a Member of of empowerment programmes she underwent the County Assembly to represent Manyatta B through the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kisumu East. (FIDA-Kenya), Kenya Female Advisory Growing up in the political shadows of an Development Organisation (KEFEADO), Civil uncle, she would marvel at his ability to organise Society Network and Youth Agenda. communities to discuss key developmental She uses this experience to execute her duties issues and how communities would positively well in the County Assembly where she chairs respond to them. the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee. She “My late uncle, Yashon Audo Omoto, singles out the late Dolphine Oketch, founder taught us to be organised and disciplined at of KEFEADO as her mentor, acknowledging all times. He was strict but also patient. This that the interaction with many people in helped strengthen my passion for community social work polished her leadership skills by development.” identifying community needs that could only Okombo was brought up in a Christian be tackled through political representation. family and was very close to her father, the late “Oketch had a programme to empower John Omoto, a Kanu political activist in the women. She used to call us for women’s 1990s. “He used to organise political rallies and empowerment meetings and I admired campaigns as well as lobby for good policies her support for women’s leadership and and legislation.” empowerment besides her stand against The 32-year-old MCA studied at Alego retrogressive cultural practices.” Primary School in Kendu Bay from 1987- Other than her husband, Okombo received 1994. Between 1995 and 1998, she was at minimal support from family members who Asumbi Girls’ Secondary School. She later thought she was wasting resources. “They told joined Nairobi Technical Training Institute me that it was a big joke and that I should

48 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 instead save the little I had for family use.” in party campaigns for other candidates, The first time politician is glad that she took among them, The National Alliance (TNA) the leap of faith to throw herself into the election party Secretary-General, Onyango Oloo, in pool after a lot of pressure from the electorate. his 2007 bid for Kisumu East Constituency “I received a lot of backing and goodwill from parliamentary Seat. them to vie for the position.” Okombo observes that women are vulnerable Okombo served as a social worker in the Kazi to violence during political campaigns as they Ngumu Integrated Project between 2007-2013. have to withstand insults, verbal and physical The community-based organisation funded violence. by USAID operates in the peri-urban areas However, she is hopeful that as society of Kisumu County to empower and address progresses, political violence against women challenges facing vulnerable members of the will be a thing of the past, and this especially society. At Kazi Ngumu, she was part of a team for the volatile Kisumu. implementing a HIV and AIDS awareness She notes the major role that money plays in project through AFYA II and later AFYA plus. election campaigns and acknowledges that the Although her hope of becoming a lawyer party contest for her seat was a tough challenge. did not materialize, her love for orphaned and “A win for me was no mean feat.” vulnerable children in the community saw her However as a politician, she knows that there establish Manyatta B Development Group, are no permanent enemies in the game. She has which together with KEWASCO are supplying reached out to her competitors to draw them water to the community. into development programmes of the ward. She has also organised her constituents into Okombo has been able to take on the women’s and youth groups, encouraging them new responsibilities in her stride. She is not to apply for UWEZO and youth funds. In her intimidated by the new procedures but urges tray is a rabbit-keeping project targeting a different institutions, especially the county and youth group within the ward. national governments to implement capacity Before joining politics, Okombo participated building programmes for new leaders. “In

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 49 Kisumu County Assembly, representatives well as advice wisely. “I may not read my back are all legislators regardless of their gender or but somebody else can.” political affiliation.” With regards to her political future, she says She is developing a Bill on investments and one does not have to be in politics to help the investors which will soon be tabled before the people. However, she intends to use her current assembly for debate. position to empower the community through Okombo’s challenge is how to address the education initiatives. high levels of illiteracy, which has seen the “Most importantly I want to ensure the emergence of illegal groups in Manyatta Village County Executive becomes more accountable as a whole. She is wary of children being to the people of Kisumu. I also look forward to exploited in late night hawking within the city a future where rampant gender discrimination centre as well as in local entertainment joints. in the cosmopolitan region will be a thing of To this effect, she is working with colleagues the past.” in the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to Okombo is currently pursuing a degree in table a motion before the County Assembly Political Science at the University of Nairobi, that will see a mechanism developed to protect Kisumu Campus. children from abuse and exploitation. She is also a student of a County Management Okombo’s consultative approach to leadership course at the Kenya College of Accountancy has enabled her listen to and absorb criticism as within the county.

50 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Pamela Akinyi Odhiambo, Nominated

clan within Manyatta and is married in the same County in Kanyakwar Clan in Manyatta B. She attended Manyatta Primary School in Kisumu where she sat for KCPE in 1990 before proceeding to Magadi High School in the same county. The daughter of a businessman, from a young age she would juggle between school and helping her parents in their business of selling paraffin, mangoes and other foodstuffs at Manyatta market in Kisumu. She won her parents’ admiration as her efforts saw the family business expand rapidly. Such success encouraged her to believe that with determination and focus, success was indeed within every person’s reach believing in building on small “For those who dare to dream, there is a whole gains to achieve one’s dreams. In both primary and world to win.” These words describe Hon Pamela high school, Odhiambo became a household name Akinyi Odhiambo who rose to become one of the in games where she was best player in netball and most successful businesswomen and influential volleyball bringing credit to the institutions. politicians in Kisumu East Ward. Her story reminds Upon completing high school education, one that it does not matter what qualifications one Odhiambo decided to engage in business on a full has, it is the vision that makes the difference. She time basis, selling fish and also doubling up as a contends that if success were to be pegged on one’s Tuk-tuk tricycle owner. She also volunteered as an academic record then she would not count herself Early Childhood Development education teacher among the successful. at the Young Women Christian Association Odhiambo was born and raised in the Kasagam (YWCA) in Kisumu from 1994 to1996.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 51 With success in the business also came Odhiambo, a trained monitoring and evaluation Odhiambo’s popularity. This saw her increasingly professional says some of her achievements include get involved in community projects within Kisumu building roads in Kolwa Central and ensuring East Ward where she was seen as hard-working, bursaries are given to needy children in Manyatta honest and focused. B Ward. Odhiambo’s key priority as member of She was also actively engaged in politics, County Assembly is to promote access to education campaigning for Mr John Ondele, who won the for all children. She passionately supports Kondele Ward seat in 2002, and went on to win education for girls. So far she has managed to take two consecutive terms. more than six girls back to school. Her work paid off when the politician later She credits herself with the establishment of the supported her election as member of the Manyatta Kwoyo Dispensary in Manyatta B in 2011-2012. Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Prior to her election, she was already supporting board from 2008. There she met area member the community health and sanitation project of Parliament, Shakeel Shabir, who she also (KOWESO), an initiative for promoting girls’ campaigned for in the 2013 general election. education where the community donates shoes to Odhiambo says Shabir promised to reward any needy children at Wandiege and Magadi primary Ward that produced a lot of votes for him. Odhiambo schools in Manyatta B. has also sat in the boards of Nyamasaria Secondary Odhiambo hopes to enhance the access to School, Kisumu East District Education Board, the information on government funds such as the CDF board of Kisumu East Constituency and is a Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Women member of the Constituency Roads Committee Enterprise Fund and the recently launched ‘Uwezo’ (Kenya Rural Roads Authority) fund. Though her nomination as a Member of County As a sports woman, she promises to promote Assembly in Kisumu County came as a surprise, sports among youth and the use of sports as a she believes her active involvement in the political peace building strategy. She proposes that more campaigns and her community development resources be geared towards the empowerment record played to her advantage. grassroots women.

52 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Pamela Apondi Omino Central Kisumu Ward, Kisumu West Constituency City Council and further ascending to the position of deputy speaker in the Kisumu County Assembly. Elected under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, she has seen the highs and lows of Kisumu politics. Born in 1962 in Maseno, Kisumu District, Hon Pamela Apondi Omino exudes confidence as she narrates her impressive political record over the past two decades. Omino was born and raised in a political family, thereby following on the footsteps of her father, a retired banker who contested for councillorship in Kisumu town in the 1988 elections and lost he is not new to politics and boasts of an narrowly. She is also a niece to the former Deputy Sextensive political career having served her Speaker of the National Assembly and a one electorate for four consecutive terms, three as time Member of Parliament for Kisumu West a councilor and now as Central Kisumu Ward Constituency, the late Hon Job Omino. representative. Self-motivated and confident, Omino started Omino fondly referred to by her community as honing her leadership skills when she was a prefect Pamjos is a tested and tried politician, a virtue that in Kericho Township Primary School where she sat makes her a ‘woman of the people’ whose popularity her CPE in 1974 and later in Lugulu Girls’ High saw her get elected councillor for the Aerodrome School in Bungoma District between 1975-1978. Ward – Kisumu Municipality, from 2007 to 2012, “While at Lugulu Girls’ High School, I was greatly rising to the position of deputy mayor of Kisumu awarded for good leadership. I also doubled up

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 53 the roles with being chairperson of the Christian on to chair the Committee on Culture and Social Union.” Services in Kisumu Municipal Council. “I made After high school, she stayed home for two history by becoming the first woman to chair that years before getting married to Jossy Orwa, then committee in the history of Kisumu Municipal a shopkeeper at Otonglo market in Kisumu Council.” town. Together, they owned several stalls selling Omino was a force to reckon with. She teamed maize flour and other assorted grains. She says a up with then Kisumu Mayor, Hon Prisca Auma combination of internal and external challenges to champion for gender equity and equality in the conspired to eventually make her business almost municipality, besides articulating issues affecting an impossible venture. residents of Kisumu Municipal Council without With the emergence of political pluralism in fear. In 2007, she was at it again, winning the Ward 1992, Omino made her debut into elective politics. seat for a third consecutive term through ODM She got elected for a five-year term between 1992- party. She then contributed her time and energy to 1997 to represent women in the FORD-Kenya party promoting peace and reconciliation following the structure. Then in 1997 and with the platform 2007 post-election violence that also rocked the already laid, she was elected the second woman lake side city of Kisumu. councilor in Aerodrome Ward on the National During her third term as councilor for Aerodrome Democratic Party (NDP) ticket. This propelled Ward, she was elected chair of the Water and Energy her to the position of chair Committee on Social Committee, which automatically gave her a slot Services. Omino, an unapologetic feminist and a as a director of Kisumu Water Services Company political activist, would later surprise friend and foe (KIWASCO). when she was re-elected in 2002 on the National She also served as the chair for the Lake Victoria Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ticket. She attributes Local Authority Cooperation (LAVLAC), a her win to focus and hard work. “It is one’s work movement for women in the local authorities in and behaviour that sells itself and speaks to the East and Central Africa. Her success in politics people. Defeating close to ten men was no mean has not been without challenges. “In 2011 I lost feat then for a woman from the region.” She went with one vote to then incumbent Mayor Sam

54 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Okello (nominated), who was then seeking re- thrilled by the political progress which has seen election. I almost lost hope when two women who women rise to positions of leadership. “In Kisumu were also contesting for the seat withdrew from County, we boast of seven women elected directly the race in favour of a male candidate. I saw this to the County Assembly.” as a blow to women’s leadership as a whole and Since joining politics, Omino has maintained an doubled my efforts, as I saw their withdrawal and active presence in her party’s activities, including support for the man as a strategy to put me down working for and promoting its policies and completely.” Omino says it is her experience in manifestos as well as entrenching them in the politics, development record and political ideology grassroots. She is grateful to her supporters who combined that gave her victory. come from all the sectors of the community. Although contesting in the huge Central Kisumu As a visionary leader, she has been keen not to Ward was a challenge, she attributes her win in the make empty promises but instead pledge projects March 2013 General Election to her performance that she is sure of initiating and completing. She in the previous three terms as councillor for cites the face-lift of Kanyametha School, various Aerodrome Ward. Omino who also holds a water points and community group projects in certificate in Public Relations from the University Aerodrome Ward as being her brainchild. of Nairobi could not have achieved this were it not In the Assembly, she also serves in the Speaker’s for encouragement from friends. panel by virtue of being the Deputy Speaker. She “At first I thought there was no need to become also sits in the Liaison Committee besides chairing the deputy as a woman had already been elected the Committee of the whole House. speaker but somebody asked me where I had Her relationship with other house members obtained that law, and then advised me to go ahead has been cordial. Omino would like to see more and contest.” She went ahead to contest and won resources and initiatives to empower women and garnering 26 out of 35 votes. ensure many get into positions of decision-making. Omino is happy with the progress the country has She is already working on a five-year Strategic Plan made constitutionally and especially the freedom for development activities in her Central Kisumu people are enjoying today and is particularly Ward.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 55 Hon Pamela Awuor Oyoo, Nominated said; ‘mama you have worked for women and children for many years and helped many people, why don’t you look for nomination’?” Hon Pamela Awuor Oyoo’s quick response was that she neither held any party leadership position nor did she know anyone in the party’s top ranks, so getting nominated would be out of question. However, her children were relentless and urged her to give it a try, further reminding their mother of how she had always trusted in God, with the slogan, ‘God always provides’. “My children said, ‘mama, God may give you this position’ and I said, “let’s apply and see.” They then googled Orange Democratic hen her husband was retrenched Movement (ODM) manifesto and address to Wfrom work in 2012, she took a very which they would send the application. She never risky gamble later that year, applying to Orange bothered with the outcome until the day people Democratic Movement (ODM) party for called to ask if she was the one whose name nomination as Member of the County Assembly, had been published in the papers as an ODM thereby quitting her job at the Kisumu Lake nominee. Basin Development Authority, after a successful Oyoo refused to believe she was the one as 27-year career as a librarian. the name appearing had a different identity “One day as we were reading the newspapers card number. It was not until the National with my children, we learnt that nominations Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) would be done 45 days after election. My children asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries

56 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Commission (IEBC) to publish all the three names platform to champion the women’s agenda. of nominees and their identity card numbers that In the 2013 General Election, Oyoo campaigned Oyoo confirmed she was indeed the one. for ODM, her main aim not to be nominated as For this reason Oyoo believes her appointment a ward representative, but to participate and help to the Kisumu County Assembly is God given, entrench policies that were friendly to women. this even if it was not her idea to apply for the “Now Kenyan women are enjoying the two- position as her mind was already set on large thirds gender principle of affirmative action in scale sugarcane and maize farming to supplement the Constitution and this is not enough. Kenyan her family’s growing needs. She knew she would women are still disadvantaged.” have to dig deeper into her pockets to cater for She cites verbal and physical abuse against her four children — three in the university and women during campaigns as factors derailing one in primary school. women’s bids for political leadership. The born-again Seventh-day Adventist Church Oyoo draws her inspiration from a group of faithful who enjoys working with women, eminent women, including Nominated Senator children and the elderly, says indeed God did it Janet Ong’era, who previously served as the for her. Executive Director of the Orange Democratic Oyoo who was born in Nyakach in 1965 but Movement (ODM), Lands Cabinet Secretary raised in Kisumu, was nominated under the Charity Ngilu, as well as veteran politicians Grace gender top-up category. Although mainstream Ogot and Grace Onyango. politics was the last thing on her mind, she had “I’m inspired by Ong’era for the furthest she has severally meddled in politics while working at gone in the ODM fraternity. I admired the way the Lake Basin Development Authority where she managed the party and enjoyed listening to she was elected to serve in the institution’s Sacco her as she is quite brilliant and understands her as honorary secretary, from 2010 and later work. I‘ve always aspired to stand up for women nominated as delegate for the Cooperative Bank, the way she does.” a position she holds to date. These endeavours Oyoo also admires Charity Ngilu and the thrust her into ‘politics’ where she used the 2013 presidential candidate, Martha Karua’s

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 57 fighting spirit. “They are among the few women In Kisumu County Assembly affairs, Oyoo involved in the fight for multipartyism. During is seen as an outspoken, open minded, active that time people never used to talk freely before and eloquent debater, with a sharp focus on her the repeal of section 2A (making Kenya a multi- agenda. She wishes to see a county, which is able party state) but they kept fighting and were ready to feed its people and provide all basic services to for anything. Besides, Karua speaks her mind the community by the end of her five-year term. irrespective of what people say. You can depend She is also keen to use her strong Christian on her for the truth.” values to change the mind-set of people and Oyoo also admires veteran politicians Grace further believes that her work in the Assembly will Ogot —former MP for Gem — and Grace bring women and men together for a common Onyango — the first woman to be elected mayor goal. of Kisumu and in Kenya and also the first woman Oyoo attended Maseno Girls’ Primary School to be elected Member of Parliament. She describes and completed her CPE in 1979. She proceeded these two as true champions for women. to Kisumu Girls’ High School where she did her “I admire them for coming up on behalf of A-Level exam in 1984. women when women were still ignored and In 1985 she worked with a Dutch consulting could not speak in front of people. Onyango had company, DHV Consultants, under the Lake the courage to become a parliamentarian and Basin development Authority for one year. When a deputy speaker at a time when women were the contract ended she was seconded to the down.” institution’s library as an assistant. Oyoo has worked as a volunteer in several During this time, she joined Kenya Polytechnic women’s organisations, including Noble Charity College and obtained a certificate in Library and Home for the Destitute in Kibos, Kisumu County, Information Management. In 2008 she graduated where she helped establish a home for the destitute from Kenyatta University with a Bachelor of and elderly and has been its treasurer since Science in Information Studies (Library option). inception. She has also worked with women’s and She is now set to pursue a Master’s in Community church groups in the county. Development from Bondo University.

58 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Petronilla Achieng Omondi South East Nyakach, Nyakach Constituency a chance in elective politics in 1997 due to what she claims were rigging in party nominations. “If you talk to people in Nyakach Constituency and you mention ‘Mama Pajero’, they will tell you I was to be their MP in 1997. I got overwhelming support in the National Development Party (NDP) primaries, but was rigged out. “What happened in 1997 was so bad that the people of Nyakach even sought an alternative ticket for me, they came to me with Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket.” But she stood her ground and rejected the people’s party, maintaining her loyalty to the NDP. “It would have meant that I was not serious about my lthough she is serving her first term party choice if I just jumped ship like that.” Ain elective politics as Member of the She was disappointed to a point of not County Assembly for South East Nyakach participating in the 2002 General Election, a Ward, Hon Petronilla Achieng Omondi fondly decision she quickly defends. “I am an honest referred to as ‘Mama Pajero’, has enjoyed high person and I would rather have the truth. I did standing in her community. not see anything that would have convinced me For close to two decades, the people of of any change to allow the people have their way Nyakach have referred to Omondi as their in 2007.” ‘Member of Parliament.’ This is after she missed Over the years Omondi volunteered as the

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 59 people’s watchdog, which earned her the name Girls’ High School as a form one student Mama Pajero, a powerful all weather vehicle illustrate her poor background. “I not only because of the ease with which she would reported to school without school fees but traverse the constituency in the course of her was also the only girl in sandals, a feature that work. attracted the attention of then School Principal, A woman of the people, as she describes Mrs Patricia Ododa. herself, Omondi is a good listener, a virtue she “I remember I cried when the headmistress has carried into the Kisumu County Assembly. made fun of me and exclaimed to fellow teachers Although a politician, she does not believe in in the staffroom that ‘wonders will never cease!’ political lies and would rather stand by the truth She even doubted that I am the one who got the even in her campaigns. highest marks at Kibuye Girls’ Primary School.” “What I have realised is that if they still voted Fortunately, Ms Diana Brain, one of the teachers for me in 2013, then it really means that nobody came to my aid and offered to pay my school wants to be cheated. I always tell my electorate fees and ensured that I had uniform and books. what is possible and what is not.” In the process, the principal ended up paying Omondi is multi-talented. She was an athlete my first term school fees.” and member of the school choir as well as In a turn of events, Ododa was transferred to debating and drama clubs at Kibuye Girls’ Bunyore Girls’ High School in 1972 but could Primary School where she did her Certificate not leave Omondi behind and relocated with of Primary Education (CPE) and later Kisumu her there where she completed her A-levels and Bunyore girls’ schools respectively. education. These talents concealed her poor family After high school, Omondi joined Brooke- background where she could not afford school Bond Kenya Limited in 1973 as a copy typist. fees. “I could be chased away for school fees but Here she got sponsorship to undertake a two- during the sports season I would be recalled.” year Diploma course in Secretarial Studies Despite all odds, she ranked tops in at Queensway Secretarial College in Nairobi. examinations. Her dramatic entry into Kisumu Upon completing the course, she served as

60 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 company confidential secretary, rising through Born in November 1955 in Sigweng’ Kondiek the ranks to an administrative position in the village in Ugenya and married in Nyabondo Engineering Department. Village, Upper Nyakach Location, Nyakach Along the way, she also trained in Psychology Constituency, the mother of four honours Counselling, acquiring numerous skills that she her father who treated all his children equally later used to provide psycho-social counselling regardless of gender, which in turn boosted her and peer education in the Voluntary Counselling self-esteem. and Testing (VCT) to the company’s staff. Omondi who serves as assistant treasurer Her experience in psycho-social counselling in KIWACOCA has always admired Grace would later benefit her neighbours in Nyakach. Onyango, the first woman to be elected Member Although she wanted to have a very quiet life of Parliament and mayor for her strength amidst at home after retirement, this was not to be as difficulties. biting poverty hindering women’s economic She has also been inspired and intellectually empowerment swung her into action. stimulated by the leadership of former British Upon her retirement from Unilever Tea Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. Kenya Limited (Formerly Brooke Bond Kenya In 2013, being aware of devolution and gender Limited) in October 2011, she directed her requirements in the Constitution, Omondi energy to offering psycho-social counselling saw a better opportunity to serve her people to women affected with HIV and AIDS in at the county level rather than at the national Nyabondo, Nyakach Constituency. platform. Omondi fondly recalls being close to her She appreciates the word of encouragement grandparents who cultivated the sense of from friends, family and the electorate in South leadership in her, as they would address her East Nyakach Ward. with nicknames of various heroes. She appreciates the Kokelo clan who She was to realise later that the heroic reorganised themselves during campaigns and references not only inspired but also fostered gave her a lot of support in kind which could leadership skills in her. have cost a lot of money.

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 61 In the Kisumu County Assembly, Omondi agencies that have invested a lot of resources for chairs the Children, Gender, Culture and women’s empowerment. She further calls for Community Services Committee. She is also strategies to ensure that both men and women a member of the Budget and Appropriations, as well as institutions understand and respect Liaison, Planning, Housing, Idustrial gender mainstreaming, noting that this will Development as well as the Procedures and ensure women are empowered and respected Rules committees. by the society. Omondi is committed to ensuring the As an avid gender and human rights defender, improvement of infrastructure in her ward, Omondi denounces retrogressive social, including schools, health facilities and roads. cultural, political and economic activities that She acknowledges the significance of the county stand in the way of women’s progress and government. “This is the only institution that empowerment. can really push development to the people “Women shy away and withdraw from in the grassroots and hence the importance mainstream politics after emotional, verbal of harmony between the different arms of and physical abuse during political campaigns, county government.” Omondi recognises non- especially for married women with teenage governmental organisations and government daughters and sons.”

62 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Prisca Auma Misachi Kaloleni/Shauri Moyo Ward, Kisumu Central Constituency from many and within a short span of time she became a household name in Kisumu and beyond. She is yet to disappoint, as her winning ways attest. Misachi is renowned for her record as the most elected woman in Kisumu’s and perhaps in Kenya’s civic history. She has had the privilege of being elected a record five terms and prides herself in having served in three successive governments of presidents Daniel arap Moi (1983-2002), Mwai Kibaki (2002-2013) and presently Uhuru Kenyatta. In the 1983-1987 and 1987-1992 terms, Misachi served as councillor under Kanu, then the only he made her political debut in 1983 when party. However, in the advent of multiparty Sshe was elected councillor for Kisumu politics when she refused to abandon KANU and Stadium Ward, the area she represents to date. join Ford-Kenya, then the popular party in Luo Then Hon Prisca Auma Misachi had the audacity Nyanza led by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, to dream big in spite of the widespread stigma and the doyen of Kenyan opposition politics, she lost. discrimination against women leaders at the time, Due to her loyalty as KANU ‘life’ party member, when, within few days of her election in 1983, she Misachi lost to Lawrence Akinyi Oile who won the vied for the Kisumu mayoral position, which she ward seat and went on to be also elected Kisumu narrowly lost by a single vote. mayor. However, the daring move won her admiration From 1992 to 1999, Misachi refused to barge

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 63 and leave Kanu, even as new populist parties Stadium and Kibuye in Kisumu Central General continued to emerge and this sturboness cost her Electionon an Orange Democratic Movement dearly. She was once again defeated in the 1997 (ODM) party ticket. However, she lost the mayoral General Election thus staying in the political cold seat in 2007 to Councillor Sam Otieno. In the 2013 for the two terms. However, being a woman of General Election she was elected Member of the great courage and who never gives up, Misachi County Assembly (MCA) of the same ward on an used the time out in the cold to strategise, joining ODM ticket. the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by Raila Born in Uyoma, Rarieda Division in Bondo, Odinga in 1999. Siaya County in 1949, the widowed mother of four She would then go ahead to recapture her ward reveals her source of inspiration as the brilliant seat in the 2002 General Election on a National trade unionist, the late Tom Mboya for whom she Rainbow Coalition (NARC) ticket when LDP worked as a secretary. “I remember how people teamed up with the National Alliance Party of would visit Mboya and he would solve all their Kenya (NAK) of Charity Ngilu and Democratic problems.” Then, Misachi decided that she wanted Party (DP) of Mwai Kibaki to form NARC, which to play a similar role. “I realised it is good to listen won the 2002 General Election with Kibaki as it’s to what disturbs people and see if you can solve presidential candidate. In 2002 Misachi became it or alternatively listening helps to reduce your the deputy mayor of Kisumu and in August own tension as hearing that there are other people 2004 she was elected unopposed as the Kisumu who have the same problems (as yourself), then Mayorunder NARC, becoming the second woman you realise that you are not alone” she is quoted as mayor of Kisumu after Grace Onyango, who served saying Women and Political Leadership in Kenya; between 1965 and 1966. She is proud to have been Ten Case Studies (Nyokabi Kamau, 2007). the mayor in 2006 when Kisumu was declared the As a young girl Misachi had not imagined world’s first United Nations Millennium city. herself becoming a politician. She came to Nairobi In 2007, Misachi was re-elected councillor to pursue secondary school education at Ngara of then renamed Kaloleni-Shauri Moyo Ward Girls’ Secondary School after her completing her after the merger of three wards namely Kaloleni, studies at Linea Primary School in Uyoma. She

64 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 later enrolled at The Church Army School where this is where she developed her interest in politics. she studied up to form two then left to work for She joined active politics in 1983 when she was the family of the late Tom Mboya. elected ward representative for Stadium Ward. The cultural problems facing Kenyan women Politics aside, she has also been busy empowering today have contributed to her resolve to working women. She is also a patron of Minelik, a CBO, harder.“ Culture dictated that girls be withdrawn that empowers women on financial matters. from school because they would get married Besides the late Tom Mboya, she sees former anyway to allow parents to pay fees for their sons. I members of parliament, Grace Ogot and Phoebe was a victim and had to discontinue my schooling Asiyo as her role models for their persistent push but I was not discouraged from pursuing better for affirmative action. things in life.” After her life with Mboya, Misachi Misachi says she never makes any promises worked at Kericho Planning Office as secretary during campaigns and her motto is always that before she was transferred to the Ministry whatever problem emerges, they as a community of Planning in Kisumu. Later, she joined the will try and solve it. She describes her relationship Provincial Planning Office in Nyanza in the same with other Members of the County Assembly as capacity. In 1971, she joined the Kenya Commercial cordial: “What I have learnt as a leader is that we Bank as a secretary for one year before moving to need to come together and speak in one voice to British American Tobacco (BAT) as a Personal alleviate poverty and promote development.” Secretary to the Divisional Marketing Manager in Misachi is happy that devolution has provided Kisumu. She worked for BAT from 1972 to 1983. space for more women to be involved in politics. While in BAT, Misachi joined Kianda College Her message to women is: “They are very good which merged with Strathmore College in 1993) managers and if they speak with one voice, their for a Secretarial and Office Management course voices can be heard in the county assembly.” and managed to increase her typing speed to 100 Misachi’s plan is to work with everybody in the words per minute. It was while working at BAT Assembly and to empower all women because she that people encouraged her to join politics. She believes “Kenya will be peaceful if a woman is in related well with people, especially women and control.”

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 65 Hon Salome Kamonya Lungafa, Nominated Born in 1965 in Mudungu Village, Gavodia sub-Location, Vihiga County, Lungafa effortlessly campaigned for the ODM in her native Maragoli community, a zone that had been literally swept by Presidential candidate, Musalia Mudavadi’s United Democratic Forum (UDF) party wave, and managed to convince many voters, particularly women, to vote overwhelmingly for ODM. Lungafa was also a chief campaigner for Mrs Rozaah Buyu, who contested the Kisumu West parliamentary seat, but lost with a small margin. Interestingly though, Lungafa did not vie on Salome Kamonya Lungafa is the for any position but did what many political Hsort of woman who lives for others candidates have tried to do without success, and believes that one can bring change in the winning votes without giving hand-outs. society without spending a single cent. “I did this through walking to the voters So strong is her conviction, that, in the run- bases and speaking to them in their mother up to the 2013 General Election, and without tongue. I did not need any payment but wanted any pushing from any quarters, Lungafa to build the party and make it strong. With mounted a ‘penniless campaign’ for her ODM, being a national party, I wanted to see dream party Orange Democratic Movement other tribes also come in Lungafa was driven (ODM), and which, in her own words, paid off in her passionate campaign, by the fact that satisfactorily. ODM party leader Raila Odinga “does not give

66 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 money during campaigns but only sells his Lungafa was inspired to join active politics policies to the people who in turn vote for him. by veteran politician and women’s rights Raila brought devolution to us and did not ask campaigner Rozaah Buyu, who has fought for any cent from us, but we voted for him”. hard for gender equity and equality as well as It is no wonder, then, that the ODM women empowerment, particularly in Kisumu presidential candidate garnered an impressive County. 77,825 (46.44%) against Musalia Mudavadi’s Now a nominated Ward Representative, 82,426 (49.19%) votes in Vihiga County, a feat representing gender in the Kisumu County Lungafa is proud to have contributed to. Assembly, Lungafa understands Buyu’s struggle The party also bagged three out of six to empower women economically through parliamentary seats in Vihiga County — County ‘table banking’, an initiative started to improve Woman Representative as well as Luanda and the economic status of rural women in Kisumu Emuhaya parliamentary seats. West Constituency. The party also got six out of 25 elected A community health worker in Ojola Unit members to the Vihiga County Assembly. (comprising Ojola and Rota dispensaries) in Lungafa did not apply for nomination West Kisumu Sub-county, Lungafa initially but believes her hard work paid off as she is wanted to contest for a County Assembly convinced the party nominated her to the position but was unable to do so because of Kisumu County Assembly in recognition of “bureaucracy and cumbersome procedures her efforts. “People should not claim they are both in political parties and the electoral working yet their deeds cannot be seen or felt.” commission.” Consequently, she chose to She is noted for her simplicity and humility actively campaign for the Orange Democratic which could have possibly further contributed Movement (ODM), which she says is the to her success during party campaigns and saw only party that has brought people together her political status rise. regardless of their economic background, tribe Born and bred in Maragoli in Western and gender. Kenya, and later married in Kisumu in Ojola, Lungafa who sits in the Health, Justice and

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 67 Legal Affairs as well as Legislation committees governmental organisations that have invested lauds the leadership of the Kisumu County in supporting women’s empowerment to ensure Assembly for creating an enabling working more are in leadership positions. “We still need environment for all members of the County help to empower those in the grassroots to Assembly. She plans to push for a bill that will enable more women look forward to elective ensure health workers who have volunteered positions and not to fear politics.” for long are put on the county government Lungafa attended Gavodia Primary School in payroll. Sabatia from 1973-1979, sat for her CPE, before While politics and religion can be a difficult act joining Kigama Secondary School in Maragoli to balance, Lungafa sees no problem in mixing from 1980-1983. the two. “It is good to be in the Assembly as a She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood born-again Christian to encourage colleagues Development Education from Egerton because most people think politicians are University, Kapsabet, where she studied from worldly people who don’t know the word of 1986-1987. God. When we mix with them it makes sense She also holds a Diploma in Community and helps people to understand that politicians Health from the Jaramogi Oginga University also know the word of God.” in Bondo, formerly Bondo Teachers Training Lungafa alongside few other colleagues College. have introduced morning glory lessons for A born-again Christian and preacher, Lungafa everybody in the Kisumu County Assembly holds a certificate in preaching from Kapsabet where meetings are held every Tuesday from Bible School and is currently preaching in AIC 7.30-8.30 am. churches and mothers’ union at Osiri East She applauds the government and non- District Church Council.

68 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 Hon Susan Adhiambo Omollo, Nominated appointed timekeeper, as this entailed being in charge of operations at the institution. It is while serving in this position that Omollo realised she could lead. Omollo is fondly referred to in the community as Mama because she is approachable, charitable and does not waver in her endeavour to advice and counsel members of her community who are facing various challenges. She has also initiated income-generating activities for women such as poultry farming as well as village saving and loan schemes. Omollo acknowledges that her work in the community is what earned her the position of on Susan Adhiambo Omollo grew up Member of the County Assembly and promises Hcounselling fellow pupils, especially to use it for the community, which borders girls, to overcome peer pressure and other Nandi and is prone to ethnic conflicts due to challenges at school, home and around the cattle rustling and politics. village. Her strict parents also ensured she Prior to joining politics, she worked as a performed her duties well and her efforts earned nurse aide at Kobala Clinic in Nyakwere, South her an appointment as a school timekeeper at Nyanza from 1992-1997, a job she got after Ahero Girls’ High School, where she learned in training at Sindo Private Health Centre from the early 1980s. 1990 to 1992. She resigned after five years to She recalls how then, one had to have start her own business, which enabled her to exceptional qualities and high discipline to be freely interact and express her opinions, further

Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 • 69 exposing her leadership skills. Omollo’s passion always violated to the extreme during political towards addressing community concerns has campaigns. earned her a lot of admiration, which she also Over the years, women have been sitting back, attributes to her nomination by ODM to a doing domestic chores and leaving leadership special seat representing women in the County and governance to men. Assembly. Women must be in leadership positions to She believes as a Member of the County effectively participate in governance and other Assembly she has a good chance to address development issues.” issues affecting her community. She recommends the need for civic education “The County Assembly is the right institution for women and formation of women’s and to crusade for inclusivity regardless of gender, youth groups to attract resources for their colour, socio-economic status or even religion. development. It is only through politics that one can really Omollo who sits in the Planning and Tourism influence development policies beneficial to the committees of the Kisumu County Assembly is society.” Omollo is the Secretary for the ODM currently working on a strategy to economically Women League, Constituency. She empower women and youth in the villages notes that “democracy is about the people and and most importantly, ensure effective and my people belong to ODM. Who am I not to be transparent distribution of devolved resources a member of ODM?” to everybody. She regrets that majority of women Omollo was born in March 1970 at West countrywide do not vie for elective positions, Kabodho, Kotian Sub-Location in Nyakach. where many have valid reasons but “engage She is married in Kabonyo village, Kobura Sub- in voting and other activities as second-class Location in Kano, Nyando Constituency but citizens”. lives in Muhoroni where she has been operating Omollo views economic hardship and lack a business. of a level playing ground in the political arena She attended Kusa Primary School before as women’s major challenges. “Women are proceeding to Ahero Girls’ High School.

70 • Women On The Move • Women Members of County Assembly of Kisumu • 2013-2017 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10

1. Eunice Atieno Miruka 2. Caroline Agwanda 3. Carolyne Ogot 4. Carolyne Owen 5. Benter Akinyi Ndeda 6. Farida Ahmed Salim 7. Nelly Osok 8. Pamela Omino 9. Jane Atieno Omolo 10. Lydiah Atieno Ndege 11. Malin Atieno 12. Susan Omollo 13. Nereah Okombo 14. Salome Lungafa 15. Pamela Oyoo 16. Petronillah Omondi 17. Lydia Odhiambo 18. Priscah 11 12 Auma 19. Pamela Adhiambo 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 Notes

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