'Hey gentlemen, bring it on'

WINNIE NYOROKA, 25, running for the Igembe Central seat, is among the few young daring women who have decided to dive into the murky political waters, writes NANJINIA WAMUSWA

What inspired you to run for the Igembe Central constituency seat?

This is a newly created constituency so some people may think I am an opportunist; but they are wrong. I had planned to vie for the Igembe South Parliamentary seat in 2012 so when Igembe Central constituency was created; I decided to go for this new seat.

I have seen the suffering of my constituents and I want to bring change. I have all along felt they deserve better.

I feel l should be one to initiate change. The sole opportunity l see is through politics as their parliamentary representative.

People need empowerment to make wise decisions. Many have acres of miraa farms, which give them a lot of money but they don’t know how to invest. Youths start earning money at a tender age and despise school.

What are the issues that ail your constituency?

Lack of adequate and well-equipped schools has let low education standards. Female genital mutilation is still a big problem that must be addressed. There’s need to use all available means to fight the vice through empowerment.

There are permanent sources of water but still people lack it. It is worse especially during dry spells as some well-connected people block and divert water into their miraa farms leaving residents to struggle for it.

How do you intend to solve these problems?

I want to encourage parents to take their children to school and get good education. I also plan to work closely with the Government and other stakeholders to build and improve on education standards in my constituency.

I will push for building of more youth polytechnics and will encourage people to join cooperative societies and invest wisely in income generating activities.

Have you started your campaigns?

I am yet to embark on serious campaigns. I am still holding strategic talks with groups of youths, women and elders in the area.

I am also reaching out to constituents who are in Nairobi and other towns and their response is encouraging.

I am still shopping around for the party, which l will announce soon. I will then launch my manifesto in my constituency.

How many women have declared interest in this seat?

So far we are six candidates in total and I am the only woman. But this does not scare me off. I am ready to face off with the men at the ballot box. Bring it on.

What do you intend to bring to the table?

I am bringing professionalism and accountability. I plan to introduce a different way of tackling issues that ail the constituents such as female genital mutilation and poor education standards. I want to address issues marginalised groups like youths and women are facing.

They need to be involved fully in the activities of the constituency. I also want to push for girl-child education.

What makes you stand out as a politician?

I am a youthful, energetic leader who has a corruption-free track record. I believe time for youth has come. Many leaders have gone into parliament but they have let us down. It is time to try fresh blood like me.

What are some of the challenges you face as a woman candidate?

Kenyans have matured and they are receptive to good leaders irrespective of their gender. In the past, nobody would have given me an audience, because I am a woman, but things have changed for the better.

The meetings l have held across the constituency shows things have changed and people want a good leader irregardless of gender. We are enjoying the fruits of gender equality.

Have you been in politics before?

In 2010, I contested as campus representative in the Students Organisation of Nairobi University elections. Though l did not win, it marked the beginning of my political career at national level.

Politics in Kenya is termed as a dirty game. Are you ready for it?

I beg to differ. Politics is not dirty game at all. It is how you play that makes it either clean or dirty. I will strive not to taint my image. Most women parliamentarians have played clean politics so can I.

Any project you’ve initiated in the constituency?

I have a different strategy. Unlike other politicians, I do not want to entice my constituents with projects before election.

Politicians love to fool wananchi with projects and once they enter power, they divert this money into their own pockets.

Suppose some politicians ask you to step down for another candidate, would you?

I am not in the politics of compromise. If l agree to be compromised my people will view me as a liar. I have started my journey and I plan to go all the way.

People have a history of voting for prominent and wealthy people. Could this trend work against you?

It is the same prominent and rich people who have failed the constituents. History has shown that although they have money and power, they cannot lead well. I think the demand for change and the need for fresh blood will work for me.

How has your family taken the news of you joining politics?

My mother supports me, but she feels l am still too young and would have waited a little longer. I feel that I am ready to join politics.

Furthermore this country needs transformational leadership and the youth can offer this. Our leaders have ignored us for too long but this is our time.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Kiengu village in Igembe Central constituency. I attended Ari Reumea Primary School.

I went to Chogoria Girls High from 2003 to 2006.

In 2007, l joined Kenya Polytechnic University College for a diploma course in Sales and Marketing.

I am pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Nairobi.

I am also a businesswoman.