Kaya elder with a vision for Kwale

BOY JUMA BOY toppled political heavy weights at the Coast to become the first Kwale County Senator. He shares, with LINAH BENYAWA, how he plans to transform the poverty-stricken region

Before you went into active politics, rumour had it that you were a ghost buster. Are you?

I am not a ghost buster and I have never been one. That is an impression created by the media. I am a simple Kaya elder with a vision for Kwale County. I was chosen as a Kaya leader of the Tsuwini Kaya, and that does not make me a ghost buster. I am just an Igwe as the Nigerians put it.

So, it follows that you never used witchcraft to secure votes?

I know witchcraft exists and, maybe, some of my opponents could have used it during their campaigns, but to be honest, I have never used or practiced it. I guess my charming personality and my vigorous campaigns made me win the hearts of Kwale people.

What strategy did you use to topple your main rival Chirau Ali Mwakwere?

There is a difference between county and constituency politics. Mwakwere was a king pin in his constituency and not the entire Kwale County. We had different campaign teams, mine focused on the entire county, while his just focused on the constituency. I guess that is how I beat him.

 How do you plan to transform the lives of Kwale people?

First, I plan to source for funds from donors to help build top-class infrastructure that will attract investment. I also plan to revive agriculture and tourism and mining industry. Mining has a lot of potential in this area and I plan to capitalise on that.

Mombasa Republican Council is a serious security threat in Kwale. How do you plan to deal with that?

I think the solution lies in empowering the youth so that they have no time to engage in banned activities. My policies include creating employment opportunities for young people to keep them positively engaged.

Land and unemployment are some of the grievances the group have been agitating for, and once solved, we would not have the secession talks any more.

Why did you decide to bounce back to politics after a long hiatus?

First, the new Constitution created opportunities for people like us to make a comeback. Second, I have a progressive vision for the people of Kwale, and I want to work with them in dealing with poverty that has crippled us for so long.

You made an entry into politics for the first time at a tender age, how did that happen?

When my father Juma Boy, who was an MP for then Kwale Central, passed on in 1983 while I was just 24, I found myself in the corridors of power of the Kenya National Assembly. And being the first born, I decided to follow in his footsteps.

The vision I had for my people and my family influence also made me join politics at that tender age.

You were a member of parliament for three terms and later lost your seat in 1997, what went wrong?

In every election, there has to be winners and losers. So in 1997, I lost to Mbwana Warraka and since then, I have not been in active politics though I was involved in development activities behind the scenes.

You disappointed in 1983 when you entered Parliament at the age of 24 after your father’s death. Being young, carefree and full of life, you became complacent and took the electorate for granted. How sure are we you will not disappoint again?

I have learnt my lessons well; now I am mature and focused. I now have a bigger responsibility and I plan to give it my all. You see the role of a senator is different from that of an MP or governor. My work is to oversee the county operations by ensuring all polices are implemented. I have a bigger task ahead and I am ready for it. I have what it takes to deliver.

At some point you were a fish farmer. Tell us about that.

 I still do fish farming. The fact that I am a senator does not mean I will abandon the business. Actually, it is my main source of income. I own three boats named Ari Mpya, Maruwani and Kosovo, which I will continue using in my fishing ventures.

Tell us about your educational background.

I went to Aga Khan Primary and secondary school and later flew to Israel where I pursued a Diploma in Agriculture.

I am also planning to further my studies though I have not yet decided on the course. When the time comes, I will let you know.

Tell us more about your family.

I am married to two wives and I have seven children. I am also the proud grandfather of two.

You seem to have a natural charm that the audience loves. When and how did you develop it?

When I was a student at Aga Khan High School, I perfected my debating and public speaking skills. There was a time we had gone to the Kenya National Theatre in 1976 for the national drama festivals, and I scooped the Best Actor Award. I used powerful diction and stage antics that not only won the hearts of the audience, but also mesmerised the adjudicators. I know how to connect with people naturally.