The electorates in Siaya county have been challenged to emulate Homa Bay county by electing women into leadership positions in the 2027 general elections to spur economic growth and development.
According to Siaya Woman Representative Dr Christine Ombaka, Homa Bay county is ahead of Siaya county in terms of development because of superior numbers (5) of women elected leaders compared to Siaya’s (1).
Speaking in at Kamito in Rarieda subcounty during the opening of the modern Kamito Market, Dr Ombaka who has declared interest in running for the Gem Constituency Parliamentary seat in the next elections said that it was high time electorates in Siaya gave women a chance in other seats apart from the automatic woman rep seat to experience meaningful development.
“The reason why Homa Bay county is beating Siaya is because they have Millie Mabona, Dr Eve Obara and Lilian Gogo as MPs while they also have Bensuda (Woman Rep) and Gladys Wanga as the governor. Women have time and time again proven to be better leaders,” Dr. Ombaka said.
She observed that currently, she is the only female elected leader in Siaya, a factor that has slowed endeavours to implement projects aimed at alleviating poverty which directly benefit women.
“I am lonely in Siaya and I ask Siaya electorates to add other women in elective positions such as MPs. I am confident that if we do so, Siaya will soon catchup with Hom Bay County,” said Dr. Ombaka.
She revealed that construction of the modern Kamito market which has been stalled since 2019 due to land disputes has finally been done at a cost of Sh7.2 million from the NGAAF kitty.
She said the 120-stall modern market would enhance trade in the area as women now have a better trading environment, storage facilities and are protected from natural element like rain and sunshine.
The legislator, who also disbursed cheques worth Sh7.2 million from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (Ngaaf) kitty to various women groups in the county, further disclosed that she has constructed other eleven market shades in all other sub counties in Siaya over the last 10 years to improve working environment for women as she aims to alleviate poverty in the region.
Further, she said that ODM party is currently experiencing teething challenges following the demise of former party leader Raila Odinga and that as a party, they would sit down and iron out the differences through dialogue to find a common ground.
Ombaka said they have full faith on the current party leader Oburu Oginga to steer the party in the right direction and appealed for patience from both leaders and supporters to let the party’s national governing council make appropriate decisions.
“I want to ask ODM secretariat to sit down and dialogue because we have no time. Let leaders and supporters be patient and not derail what has been decided. We shall abide by the decision made by the party leadership on how and who to work with ahead of 2027 elections.
By Brian Ondeng
