Powerful Women Running Political Parties

Men have dominated Kenya’s political landscape for decades. Efforts to realize the two-thirds gender rule have previously flopped. From ownership of political parties to their management, men call the shots.  However, noticeable women have made a mark. Some have established political parties and even vied for the presidency – Kenya’s undisputed iron lady Martha Karua and mama Rainbow, Charity Ngilu. As August 9 polls beckon, things are looking up for women, especially in the management of political parties affairs. Today, top political parties, including the Orange Democratic Movement, ODM, the United Democratic Alliance, UDA, Wiper, and Ford Kenya, have women in powerful and strategic positions. Who are they? Catherine Mumma – Chair, ODM National Elections BoardCatherine is not a politician but, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party deemed her fit to chair the party’s National Elections Board.The career human rights lawyer and equality activist has in the past been a member of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution of Kenya and had a stint in the Office of the Attorney General.Currently, Ms. Mumma is a member of the globally acclaimed Open Society Foundations advisory board.Mumma took over from Nominated Senator Judith Pareno and is set to serve as the chair for five years. Ms. Catherine Mumma Poses For A PhotoKelin Veronica Maina – Secretary general UDAVeronica Maina is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a graduate of the University of Nairobi, School of Law. Ms. Maina is not new to the management of political parties. She was previously the Secretary-General of the Jubilee Party. Her experience in managing political parties as well as a legal educational background saw Deputy President William Ruto pick her to lead his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, a splinter group of Jubilee. Veronica Maina Addresses A GatheringFILE PHOTO Shakilla Abdalla – Secretary-General WiperUnlike Veronic  Maina and Catherine Mumma, Abdalla is an active politician. She has been Lamu’s Women Representative since March 2013. Her political career spans from 2007 when she was an ODM party member earning her an appointment as a nominated legislator.  Born in 1961, the trained hotelier is currently a Wiper Party member as well its Secretary-General. Shakilla Abdalla Poses For A PhotoFILE PHOTO Millicent Anyango Obudho – Ford Kenya Deputy Party LeaderShe has been an ardent member of the Ford Kenya Party. She deputizes Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangua in the party. The little-known, Millicent was part of the Oslo Centre women empowerment program which she says gave her a good foundation to pursue her political career. Ford Kenya Deputy Party Leader Millicent Abudho In An InterviewOslo Centre