Lilian Gogo defies all odds to clinch Rangwe MP ODM ticket

Career educationist Dr Lilian Gogo defied all odds to clinch the ODM party ticket for Rangwe constituency in a male dominated race characterised by violence on Monday.

A lecturer at Egerton University, Dr Gogo is on the verge of making history by becoming the fifth elected female MP in Nyanza, a region where culture plays out against female gender.

By clinching the ODM ticket, the dominant party in the region, one is almost guaranteed a win in a general election.

Notable females who made it to parliament in the region include; Grace Onyango - first woman mayor of Kisumu who was elected to the National Assembly in 1969 and Phoebe Asiyo, former Karachuonyo MP who was first elected in 1980.

In 1983, educationist Grace Ogot became one of only a handful of women to serve as a member of parliament and the only woman assistant minister in the cabinet of then President Daniel Arap Moi.

Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo then came in after being elected MP in 2013 elections, having been nominated to Parliament in 2008.

For Dr Gogo, her win in the primaries where she garnered 20,584 votes against incumbent Rangwe MP George Oner who managed 2,187 votes according to returning officer Panaito Illa, is a clear gesture of her imminent victory in the August 8 elections.

“I have to mention to you that it was not an easy task to win that race. I had to fight hard amid threats and violence by my opponents. In some polling stations, my agents were even sent away but that did not stop my victory,” Dr Gogo, a Lecturer in the department of Dairy and Food Technology at Egerton University said.

Apart from Mr Oner, Dr Gogo face off with John Agutu, Joseph Nyamuthe and William Odaje, all male opponents.

“I found myself in a totally new environment. But I thank God that however, much violence was tried to stop me, my supporters remained vigilant in protecting my votes,” she said

Dr Gogo, who had reported threats to her life during the primaries on Monday claimed some youth had been hired to trail her.

At some point, chaos broke out at Omoche primary school, her polling centre when Mr Oner stormed the station accompanied by youth.

Hell broke loose when the P and his team attempted to access the polling centre after those who had lined up to vote accused him of plotting to cause mayhem and stop them from voting.

Dr Gogo said, “Despite all the negative attempts, I carried the day and I thank my people for turning out in large numbers and entrusting me with the ODM ticket.”

On the eve of the nominations, about 20 youths were arrested in her Constituency as they planned to cause violence.

Dr Gogo said, all that were plans mooted to stop her from clinching the party’s ticket.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga said she was glad at least one female managed to compete against men in a politically volatile environment and clinch a parliamentary seat against all odds

“I take this opportunity to thank the people of Rangwe for giving us a female. This has been a concern to us and the party must appreciate this gesture,” Ms Odinga said.

Ms Odinga, the ODM leader Raila Odinga’s younger sister said the party must now live to its promise to remain committed to supporting gender balance as per the Constitution.

“We however, have to say, women still face political violence in their quest for seats and this must be addressed,” she said.

Ms Odinga who was eying the Kisumu Governor seat said she had to step down from the race and concentrate of her brother’s campaigns for President.

Mr Odinga is expected to be named Nasa presidential flag bearer today Thursday April 27 at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.