As the campaigns for 2022 polls hits the homestretch, female politicians in Turkana county are a frustrated lot as they are unable to move freely due to the ongoing insecurity concerns.
Turkana county UDA woman representative candidate Cecilia Ngitit has expressed fears that the wave of attacks has hindered her campaign team from accessing all corners of the county.
Ngitit fondly referred as Ishuu by her supporters said, insecurity remains a threat to our campaigns as women. There are very many vote rich areas that are insecure hence not accessible.’
Ng’itit who is among the few women who have ventured into elective politics says although progress has been made in terms of women participation in elective politics culture does not favour women.
‘My community has not yet accepted and embraced the woman leadership…in my community; leadership is a reserve for men, she said.
The sitting county woman MP Joyce Emmanikor will be vying for the Turkana central MP seat in the August general election. Emanikor will be seeking to succeed John Lodepe who is vying for the governorship on UDA ticket.
Other candidates for woman MP seat are Jubilees Susan Aletia, ODMs Leah Lokala and Independent candidate Pauline Lokuruka.
Ngitis says key in hery manifesto is Education, Economic development to build a self-reliant society, maximizing benefits of partnerships with various partners.
‘On the education agenda, a deliberate move to restore the hopes of school dropouts is in place, encouragement to join TVETs to attain technical and employable skills is key, she says.
She says she is seeking to serve her people by venturing in politics.
‘Inclusivity approach in my leadership is a strength that boosts a sense of belonging of our people and they will own the entire process. I wanted to have an opportunity to alleviate the suffering of my people even if not entirely but to any admirable levels within my ability, she says.
She is banking on her knowledge and experience in both public and private sectors to benefit the electorates.
Asked about her perception on whether politics is a dirty game, Ngitit agrees.
‘Yes, politics is a dirty game only if you decide to play dirty. If all the players choose to play descent politics and set good rules of the game then the dirty politics will have no chance.
In my own opinion, it is the political players that choose to make politics ‘dirty’ but they also have the power to make it a clean game, she avers.
She believes it is time that women were given an opportunity to lead.
“What a Man Can Do A Woman Can Do Better! A society that empowers women is definitely an empowered society, ” she says.
By Peter Gitonga
