Some Luo council of elders in Homa Bay have asked residents to disregard any discrimination while electing governor but vote a development-conscious person.
The elders from Kochia in Rangwe constituency said that discrimination on the basis of gender is likely to deter the residents from electing someone who can develop them in the 2022 general election.
The elders said they agreed to install and bless Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga in her ambition for the county governorship as a way of fighting male chauvinism.
They argued that male chauvinism has prevented many women from ascending to political power even if the person is a performer.
Led by Maurice Odul Kabaraka and Owili Mwai, the elders said they want to enter the book of history by endorsing a woman officially to run for the seat.
“It’s high time Homa Bay people avoided retrogressive ideas that may deter them from electing a good governor," Kabaraka said.
"We’re endorsing Wanga because she is capable of being governor in 2022 elections,” he said.
Speaking at Ligisa Secondary School on Sunday, the elders gave Wanga some traditional weapons indicating readiness for the battle for the gubernatorial race.
More than 30 MCAs, professionals, the business community, farmers, residents and Wanga’s husband, George Wanga, attended the function.
The MCAs were led by Richard Ogindo (Kwabwai), Julius Gaya (Central Karachuonyo), Sophie Koweje (nominated), Nicholas Owaka (Kanyamwa Kosewe), among others.
Kabaraka said time had come for people to shun fallacy that women cannot lead in higher elective posts.
“We have assessed Wanga and concluded that she has the requisite credentials to lead this county as a governor,” he added.
They asked residents to vote wisely as they avoid male chauvinism which has become an obstacle to women from ascending to leadership.
Mwai said they believe their action would not fail the county.
“Let people know that elders see things through vision and we have offered this county the best candidate,” he added.
Her husband said he allowed her officially to vie the seat.
“I am officially presenting to you my wife to be in the arena so that she can be elected the second governor,” George said.
The woman representative said she is going to boost healthcare by equipping health facilities with drugs to cushion residents from buying drugs in private chemists.
She promised to fight corruption and establish pineapple industry to boost the economy of residents of Rangwe constituency, noting that she will use her network in developing the county.
“Buying drugs in chemists makes the cost of medical care more expensive. I will seal loopholes which lead to this,” she said.
The legislator asked Homa Bay residents to trust her leadership.
Those competing with Wanga in succeeding Governor Cyprian Awiti include Deputy Governor Hamilton Orata, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero, county secretary Isaiah Ogwe and Suba South MP John Mbadi.
Others are businessman Jared Otieno, former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga, Finance executive Nicholas K’Oriko, Kuppet secretary general Akelo Misori and businessman Luis Ogingo.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
