Kwamboka: Simba Arati's Kisii-speaking Asian First Lady

 Kisii Governor Simba Arati and his wife 'Kwamboka.' [Edwin Nyarangi, Standard]

Kisii Governor Simba Arati's Chinese wife, popularly known as 'Kwamboka', was a permanent fixture in his campaign trail and amazed locals with her mastery of the local Ekegusii dialect.

'Kwamboka' left many Kenyans amazed when she requested thousands of residents who turned up at Nyamache Stadium early this year when Arati was endorsed by members of his Ababasi clan to go for the Kisii governorship seat to vote for him in Ekegusii language.

The Kisii County First Lady's request for locals to vote for her husband as their next Governor in the local dialect had her video going viral with many Kenyans wondering how she was able to quickly learn her husband's mother tongue and use it effectively in the campaign trail.

''My name is Kwamboka the wife of Simba who wants to be your next Governor after the August general election, I am appealing for your votes, kindly support my husband since he has got good plans to turn around Kisii County for the better,'' she said in Gusii language.

The mother of four has been hosting delegations coming to meet her husband at their Motonto Rural home for the last three years with most residents who have interacted with her saying that she is ever smiling and welcoming to the many visitors who have been to their rural home.

During his inauguration at the Gusii stadium, Arati's wife did not address the gathering but rose to hold his inauguration certificate.

She also held hands with her husband and outgoing Governor James Ongwae and his wife Elizabeth on the podium.

Kwamboka is said to have played a crucial role in managing her husband's campaigns.

"Arati's wife ensured that campaigns funds were well utilized and also ensured that discipline was maintained in their campaign teams, she would not hesitate to reprimand anyone who messed up," said one of Arati's close allies.

It will be interesting to see the role Kwamboka will take in his administration since her predecessor Elizabeth Ongwae mostly involved herself in charitable activities and shunned political events.