A woman will be president after Raila Odinga - Homa Bay Women Rep Gladys Wanga

 Hon Gladys Wanga

The outspoken Homa Bay Woman Rep, Hon Gladys Wanga, has been ruffling feathers in Nyanza. She spoke to SCOPHINE AOKO about being the point lady in Luo politics and prospects of 2017

What would you say to those who argue that the Woman Rep seat should be scrapped?

I think those harbouring such opinions do not understand the position and why it was created. The seat was created as an affirmative action meant to empower women. Women can now have Members of Parliament who represent them and hold their interests at heart.

Reportedly, over 90 per cent of Women Reps have not met the expectations of the electorate. Why is this so?

I do not know about the percentage, but I believe that given the circumstances, we have done a great job. Personally, I have tried to do my best as the Homa Bay Woman Rep. I have been actively participating in committees like the Social Welfare Committee and the Parliamentary Service Commission.

I have focused my programmes around young girls through Mama County Initiative, which is a mentorship programme for girls. We hold it twice a year by visiting schools and mentoring girls.

I have established the Homa Bay County Women Sacco that aims at financially empowering  women, especially at the grassroots and I continue to actively participate in Homa Bay politics.

What came over you to pour water on Deputy House Speaker Joyce Laboso in the full glare of cameras?

Yes I did (pour water on her). It was a dark day for Parliament, especially during the debate [on Security Laws (Amendment) Bill]. Now, when the presiding officer makes it hard for a debate, then anything can happen. Actually, I was pouring water on the documents and unfortunately, some of it poured on her. We ironed out issues and reconciled.

You have been criticised for being overly concerned with mobilising votes for Raila than dealing with the plight of the common mwananchi. Shouldn’t you spend time serving the people who elected you?

Many people do not expect women to be actively involved in politics. They just expect us to be flower girls and fill trivial gaps here and there, hence the criticism when a woman rolls up her sleeves and plunges into active politics.

I have managed my time and position prudently. There is a time and place for politicking, as well as time to fulfil my representation mandate for the people.

Recently, it was reported in the Press  that over 19,000 children in Homa Bay County are infected with HIV. Is this true?

The health function has been devolved and funds to facilitate provision of health services are handled by the county government. As far as HIV prevalence goes, I have done a lot of advocacy work. I have taken up issues of gender-based violence and partnered with relevant organisations.  

How does it feel being the only female ODM county chairperson in the 47 counties? For starters, I appreciate the party for finding it worthy of a woman to hold the position and the people of Homa Bay for not being bought. It is no mean feat, because I had to fight vicious battles to win and get this position.

Who is to blame for the poor participation of women in top political leadership at the party level? In my opinion, the buck stops with the parties. If more women are encouraged and allowed to hold decision-making positions in the parties, then they will actively get involved in politics and even run for elective posts. Parties should also nominate women in their strongholds and discourage violence.

However, women are their biggest enemies since they choose to wallow in self pity and lack self- belief. They assume they cannot hold top positions in parties.

Then what really ails women leadership? Women leaders are doing their best given the prevailing circumstances. A major challenge is that they get limited coverage compared to their male counterparts.

It is a fact that women leaders perform better and work harder, yet their achievements are hardly featured, noticed or applauded.

Now, people are saying you have stolen Millie Odhiambo’s thunder as the queen of Luo Nyanza politics... Millie Odhiambo is a senior colleague whom I respect a great deal. I believe she has her own very influential space in national and Luo politics. She is a fighter and that we have to acknowledge. I also have my own space and did not join politics the other day.

I am an activist by nature and at some point, was the first female student elected secretary general at Kenyatta University.

I am not interested in stealing anybody’s thunder, but I am flattered that people consider me to be someone who goes for what she wants and is not easily intimidated.

Will you defend your Woman Rep seat in 2017? The people of Homa Bay elected me as their Woman Rep for five years. That is what I am focusing on now, so let’s just say that for now, I am praying for good health come 2017.

That is elusive, is it because of allegations that you are actually eyeing the governor’s seat? At the moment, I am focused on serving the people of Homa Bay as their Woman Rep. Any other decisions or opportunities will be considered at the appropriate time in future.

What are the chances of a Kenyan woman ever becoming president of Kenya? It is possible, after Raila.

Is there a political tiff between you and Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, given the allegations that you intend to support and deputise another aspirant in 2017?

Not really. Those are assumptions that may have arisen from the fact that when I was campaigning for my party’s county chairperson position, the governor supported my opponent. However, that is behind us now. As you have noted, they are just allegations.

I maintain that I am focused on my current position as the Woman Rep and shall cross other bridges when I get there.

 If you were not a politician, what would you be? A community mobiliser and organiser.

As the head girl of Kisumu Girls, you led a strike at the brother school, Kisumu Boys... That is inaccurate. I did lead the strike alright, but that was at my then school, not the neighbouring boys’ school. Actually, it is the prefects who ‘downed their tools’ because we felt we were being mistreated by the administration.

It was a collective decision, but when things got tough, some students claimed I was the mastermind, and so, I was suspended for one year. After one year out, I went back to school, sat for my exams and passed.