Homa Bay Women Rep: I'm too big to hide away from my people

Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo has distanced herself from allegations that she is hiding from voters.

Some of the residents have told Dr Osogo on social media platforms that she is hardly seen in the county after being elected on August 9. Osogo is serving her first term in Parliament after she succeeded Gladys Wanga who is the current governor.

Many social media platforms have been inundated with debate, with residents alleging that Dr. Osogo has emerged as a rare leader in the county. Many residents compare her to Wanga, who they say used to interact with them on a regular basis in both villages and towns.

Those who claim Dr. Osogo is hiding something from them are the worst of the complainants. They argue about the situation that is causing a rift between the woman representative and the electorate.

I'm not sure if we have a female representative in this county. We only got a good look at her during the campaign. We're actually wondering where she's gone," a local said.

Politicians do not take such criticism lightly because they hold political positions because of the people. Dr. Osogo, however, came out to defend herself against the false accusation when she officially opened her county administrative office in Homa Bay town. The outspoken politician used imagery to explain to county residents how she cannot hide from them.

Too large to hide

Osogo, also known as Bensouda, explained that her body is too large for her to hide from anyone. She told the residents that she is their servant and that she cannot avoid them at any time.

"Some people complain on social media about not knowing where I am. But the Bensuda you see here has a big body that prevents her from hiding anywhere in this country. My body size makes me stand out even in Nairobi, where there are a lot of people on the streets," Dr Osogo said. Those who complain about her absence in the county, she says, are either dull or have vision problems.

"I have attended many public forums since my election, but those who have not been able to see me in public may be blind. I'll buy them spectacles so they can see me clearly," she said.

The MP said she will not stop people from talking about her, but she will keep her campaign promises to Homa Bay residents. "Because residents have the right to free expression, I cannot deny them that right. However, I want them to know that I am committed to serving them well," Dr. Osogo said.

She added that she had to be in parliament every week from Tuesday to Thursday. As a result, those seeking her can only do so through television.
Her manifesto includes initiatives to improve environmental conservation, market development, education, health and sanitation, water support services, and the establishment of gender-based violence desks.

She said her accomplishments in the last two months have included encouraging some youths to join National Youth Service, nurturing youth talent, launching a community-based organisation for great Rachuonyo, and consulting with those who can help her office.

Dr. Osogo said she is starting public participation exercises to compile a list of projects that should be implemented with the National Government-Affirmative Action Fund (NG-AAF) based on popular demand.

Osogo added that her administration will prioritise all projects proposed by county residents.

She said she will do so regardless of whether the projects were initiated by her predecessor or not.