Achievements as MP encourage Joyce Laboso to go for top post

Until 2008, being a politician was the last thing in the mind of Dr Joyce Cherono Laboso.

But the death of her sister Lornah Laboso that year changed everything.

“Sometimes things will happen to make you discover a new passion. And though it might come late in life, it can propel you to new heights of satisfaction and help you impact positively on fellow citizens.”

Laboso, 55, says she discovered her passion after the death of her elder sister in a plane accident in 2008.

As she mourned her sister, the now Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, says the elders had other ideas.

They saw her as the perfect replacement for Lornah who was credited for inspiring change in Sotik Constituency.

In her community, it is not easy to say no to elders. One has to go by their decision and their blessings carry a lot of weight.

“I knew my sister’s shoes were too big to be filled, but I agreed with the elders’ counsel,” she recalls.

In the ensuing by-election later that year, she registered a major feat.

Not only did she emerge number one, but she also defeated a former army brigadier who enjoyed the support of the then President, Daniel arap Moi.

This, according to the Deputy Speaker, was a testimony that women power was indeed at its peak.

She says, “I was just plucked from the lecture room at the university to face a male-dominated political terrain. My sister had achieved her best but I was not quite sure if I was equal to the task. At the polls, I had a comfortable win against the ex-army boss.”

That victory set her for better tidings in politics and she has not looked back.

WOMEN'S PLACE
As soon as she joined Parliament, she regularly featured in the list of the legislators who acted as Temporary Speakers.

She had marked her territory and proved that she had what it takes for high profile positions.

“I decided to use this as a learning point in my political career. First, I earned the trust of legislators from the different political divide. Two, I realised that this rare opportunity was a stepping stone to new heights in Parliament and life.

"We should all learn to appreciate the different positions we hold. You learn a lot and prepare yourself for new offices.”

Come the next elections in 2013, Laboso easily sailed through and was subsequently elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Her work in the last Parliament had prepared her for the position, which is the highest a woman holds in Parliament currently.

Since 2008 when she joined the political landscape, Laboso has made many gains.

She says she has encouraged equal representation for women in her constituency and the country.

“Every woman legislator who has faced a male competitor knows what it means to fight and win. You are faced with all odds on the way. I have ensured that the voice of the woman is adequately heard,” she says.

One of her achievements is promoting sustainable peace on the Bomet-Nyamira border.

For a long time, the area was known for armed conflict triggered by cattle rustling and competition over resources.

“In any armed conflict setup, women and girls are the most affected. For years, we had seen uncalled for bloodshed between the two communities. One of my vows as I joined politics was to ensure that the two communities live peacefully,” she says.

GOOD LEADER

Her dream has come true and the two communities enjoy peace with business thriving along their borders.

Laboso is also credited for the construction of the Sotik-Borabu Road, which connects the two communities.

The road has greatly encouraged and improved economic activities in the area.

Dr Laboso now feels she is ready for a bigger office in the August elections. She is going for the Bomet County gubernatorial position.

“First, I want to challenge the notion that only male politicians can be governors. Women are not there to fill the gaps as mere running mates. We should all run for the top job. We do not only have the numbers but also the strength to go for it and achieve the potential of our counties,” says the mother of three.

She adds: “This is the time for us (women) to believe in our power. Let us all put in the faith in a possible tomorrow.”

AWC Feature Service