Murang'a women leaders who lost ready to work with Kang'ata

Days before Murang’a Governor-elect Irungu Kang’ata is sworn in, several women leaders who vied for various political seats but lost have appealed to him to incorporate them in his administration.

The women have said their willingness to dive into the murky political terrain demonstrates their willingness to lead and that ability is still in them despite their loss.

The women have now come together to form Murang’a Political Women Association to ensure they do not sink into oblivion.

Led by their chairperson Juliah Chege, the women said they have the experience to lead and can help the new governor push the county forward.

Chege who vied for the Kangema MP seat through the Democratic Party said they have chosen to push aside their different political affiliations to support Kang'ata for the sake of residents.

She said a majority of the women who vied for political seats are scholars who have led in other non-political positions.

“We are here to represent women leaders, most of whom are learned, and humbly appealing to Kang’ata to consider us since we made notable attempts to lead only that our votes fell short,” she said.

The county, she said, has many departments that the women could be incorporated into depending on their levels of education and experience.

While hailing Kang’ata as a humble leader, the chairperson said they will attend his swearing in at Ihura Stadium on Friday.

The women said it is paramount for the new governor to prioritise health matters that they said affect the well-being and productivity of residents.

“Murang’a has become one of the counties with the highest cases of cancer. Almost every home has been affected. We would like to urge him to focus on the sector,” she said.

Chege also expressed confidence that Kang’ata will prioritise education matters for a successful society.

A scholar, Chege is currently undertaking a PhD in Women Leadership, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and has a Master’s degree in Women Leadership and governance.

She worked as a part-time lecturer at the University of Nairobi before resigning to join politics and has written three books including 21st Century Leadership Skills, Expanding Women Territories and Women In Boards.

The association’s deputy chairperson Judy Makira, also a scholar, worked as a lecturer at Embu University before vying for the Kiharu MP seat and has a PhD in English Language.

She also founded Judy Makira Foundation which supports community members in education, health, talent and general mentorship, and co-founded the Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology in 2017 to help women integrate technology into their socio-economic activities.

Makira said many women who vie for political seats disappear from the limelight after losing and find it hard to make a political comeback

“We decided that though we lost, we still have leadership qualities and that is why we came together. We encourage other women to come out even as they get over their losses,” she said.

She appealed to Kang’ata to become a unifying symbol and bring all leaders together in order to have an inclusive leadership.

“These women here have great potential. Any woman who chose to get into the political terrain that is very hard for women is a leader,” she said.

Florence Nyambura who vied for Kanyenya-ini MCA said despite having physical disabilities, she can bring on board other special qualities.

“We ask that Kang’ata works with us. The previous county government left out persons with disabilities which denied them opportunities,” Nyambura said.

She said people with disabilities require a little support to help them become independent and support their families.

Kang’ata, she said, should initiate programmes targeted at people with disabilities to empower them.

“Their needs don’t stop at wheelchairs. Wheelchairs help them to become mobile but they also need help to start income-generating activities to empower,” she said.

“They are now learned and should be empowered equally while those not learned should be helped to access technical courses. Our bodies may have defects but our minds are in check.” 

Eva Njeri who vied for the Mathioya MP seat said Kang’ata will be faced with the challenge of alcoholism that has left many youthful men struggling to survive.

Should Kang’ata absorb them, Njeri said they will come in handy in helping combat the many social challenges that they encountered as they sought votes.

“There is a high number of mentally disturbed people mostly due to joblessness and the high cost of living. A woman is a nurturer and having many in the leadership will help push the county forward,” Njeri said.

The cut-throat competition witnessed during nominations saw most women edged out by popular political parties that enjoyed overwhelming support from residents.

This, in turn, saw a majority of the women lose their positions as residents voted for the UDA party in most elective seats.

The county now has two women MPs, a decline from the three that were elected in 2017.

Edited by Kiilu Damaris