Youthful Spirit for All Times:A Biography of Julia Auma Ojiambo

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Youthful Spirit for All Times:A Biography of Julia Auma Ojiambo A YOUTHFUL SPIRIT FOR ALL TIMES: A BIOGRAPHY OF JULIA AUMA OJIAMBO MARCIANA, NAFULA WERE C50/64432/2010 University o( N A IR O B I Library A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Literature, University of Nairobi DECLARATION This project is my original work and has not been presented for the award of a degree in any other university. No part of this report may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the author and/or The University of Nairobi Marciana, Nafula Were Signature . Date Declaration by supervisors This project has been submitted for examination with our approval as university supervisors: Mrs. Judith J. Jefwa Signature........... .... Date.................l . f j . M m i 11 DEDICATION To my loving mum, Tabitha Kerubo Were - You who has been the model and essence of womanhood. You who would give anything to see me go far in life. To the men in my life: Dad, Clement Were And My dearest brothers Dan Were and Peter Sigadah- You who believe that the girl child has great potential. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to: Julia Auma Ojiambo for allowing her life story to be documented in this research, To my supervisors Dr. Tom Odhiambo and Mrs. Judith Jefwa for their advice, support and constructive criticism, and endless dedication to my research, The chairperson. The Department of Literature Prof. Wanjiku Kabira, for her parental advice and support. To my course lecturers Dr. Godwin Siundu, Prof. D.H. Kiiru, Prof. Henry Indangasi, Prof. Ciarunji Chesaina, Prof. Peter Wasamba, Prof. Chris Wanjala, Dr. Joseph Muleka, Dr. Masumi Odari, Dr. Jennifer Muchiri, Dr. Alex Wanjala for their guidance through this scholarly journey. To Mr. Kimingichi Wabende for his constant advice and critical reviews. To my classmates Daudi Rotich, Doseline Wanjiru Kiguru, Gloria Nwandu Ozor, Pauline Odhiambo, Julius Kanyari, Joanne Wanjala, Chesi Lumasia, Patrick Mutiso, Ann Musyoka, Mikal Modi and David Wafula, Christine Mbugua, Winnie, Tony, Mike, George and Korir. We shared many experiences, tears and laughter, lending each other support when needed. You made this journey inspiring. To my friends Assia Shidane, Gloria Simiyu and Eva Ungaya for their relentless peer reviews. 11 CONTENTS Dedication..................................................................................................................................................i Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................... ii Abstract.....................................................................................................................................................v CHAPTER O N E ................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem............................................................................................................. 5 1.3 Objectives of the Study................................................................................................................ 6 1.4 Hypothesis......................................................................................................................................7 1.5 Justification................................................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study............................................................................................8 1.6 Literature Review......................................................................................................................... 9 1.7 Theoretical Framework.............................................................................................................. 16 1.8 Research Methodology.............................................................................................................. 18 CHAPTER T W O ................................................................................................................................ 22 A Youthful Spirit for all Times............................................................................................................22 Prologue..................................................................................................................................................22 First Impressions............................................................................................................................... 22 PART ONE............................................................................................................................................ 27 Childhood............................................................................................................................................... 27 1. Her Father's H eart......................................................................................................................27 iii 2. Early Influences............................................................................................................................ 34 3. Daughter of N ature...................................................................................................................... 42 4. Sipping from the Cup of Knowledge..........................................................................................48 5. In the Face o f W ar........................................................................................................................ 60 CHAPTER T H R E E ........................................................................................................................... 68 PART T W O .......................................................................................................................................... 68 Higher Education and Work Experience............................................................................................68 1. The Making o f a Nutritionist.......................................................................................................68 2. Pioneering Development.............................................................................................................. 99 CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................................. 103 PART TH REE.....................................................................................................................................103 Life In Politics......................................................................................................................................103 1. The First Plunge into Politics.................................................................................................. 103 1. A Legislator with A Difference................................................................................................ 131 2. A Crusader for Affirmative Action........................................................................................... 150 3. Life After Parliament................................................................................................................. 173 Epilogue................................................................................................................................................ 181 The Spirit of an Eagle.........................................................................................................................181 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................184 Works C ited......................................................................................................................................... 185 IV ABSTRACT he efforts put in place, both conscious and unconscious by women in public spaces have ontributed to a large extent in the achievement of the national development goals. Be it in >olicy making, income generation, poverty alleviation, eliminating illiteracy or empowerment of he masses, these women have been at the forefront of various campaigns aimed at improving the veil-being of their target groups, whose results can be verified by valid and verifiable statistics. Among these women are writers, educators, politicians, entrepreneurs, managers, medical personnel, entertainers, pastors and scientists, just to mention but a few. This is to say that the nfluence of women has and still is being felt in all domains of the social arena, which is part of a ong struggle to raise the status of all people in the society. However, even with the visible :hanges that these women have effected in the Kenyan society, most of their efforts have not been acknowledged or well documented, thus the existing debate about the in ability of women to handle matters of power as well as men. This study focuses on Julia Auma Ojiambo, whose participation in the political agenda has made her a considerably conspicuous person in the Kenyan public space. The focus of the study has been to write a biography of Julia’s life so as present
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