Women out to beat male dominance in Turkana community politics

For many years, senior political positions have been a preserve of men among the Turkana community. However, Jane Apetet is committed to breaking the cultural barrier as she seeks to be elected the first woman senator in the county this year.
She is vying for the Senate seat on Maendeleo Chap Chap against James Lomenen of Jubilee Party, incumbent Prof Malachy Ekal of Wiper party, UDA’s Benedict Lokamar, Pius Ewoton (Independent), Ekalale Imoni of ODM and Philemon Ong’ao among others.
In the last two general elections under the devolved system of governance since 2013 women have confined themselves to the woman representative seat as they shun other elective seats.
Former Petroleum and Mining Cabinet Secretary John Munyes and incumbent Malachy occupied the seat in 2013 and 2017, respectively.
In 2017, Leah Nachere made history by being elected the first member of the county assembly for the Lake Zone ward.
In the 2013 county assembly not a single woman was elected as MCA although a few had shown interest in the seat. The assembly ended up with 29 nominated female MCAs to meet the two-thirds gender rule.
The UN Women has been at the forefront in advocating for the election of women leaders. The organization has held a number of meetings in the county to sensitize the public on the importance of women involvement in elective politics. Their efforts seem to have borne fruit if the number of women in the 2022 race is anything to go by.
Turkana Woman Rep Joyce Emanikor has thrown her hat in the Turkana Central constituency contest leaving her current seat which is reserved for women only. A number of MCAs have also joined the race to be elected MCAs.
Apetet says her decision to vie as a Senator is anchored on a call to serve Turkana County residents, through better representation.
“I wish to represent the voice of women and youths in the governance of this great country. Participate in the legislation of policies, and laws that ensure safe space for women and girls. And of course champion for inclusivity in the leadership spheres,” she said.
Apetet is an experienced social scientist who has served at top management levels, with an experience of over 15 years in both the public and private sectors.
To ascend to the seat, Apetet agrees she has to contend with the rough and tough terrain, coupled with insecurity while competing with men with financial muscles.