Ideas that can change lives keep me awake

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga. FILE PHOTO|

What you need to know:

  • We continuously sensitise our people on HIV, the importance of knowing their status and accessing treatment. In collaboration with the Governor and the County Assembly, we have ensured adequate budgets are allocated for HIV prevention, care and treatment. We are also working closely with CSOs in Homa Bay.
  • I do not cook as often as I did before, but I still find time to cook and enjoy meals together with my family. We have meals together almost daily. This is when we  catch up on the day’s activities.
  •  Any leader in this generation cannot afford to ignore social media. I ignore hate messages. I urge young people to use social media well to engage with leaders on various issues

Q: How did you get into politics?

A; I got into politics very early in life. As a young girl I was involved in politics with my father.

He ran successfully and was elected the chairman of then Kisumu County Council and also made an unsuccessful attempt for MP. This was my introduction to politics.

I then proceeded to become the head girl at Kisumu Girls’ High School. And in university I became the first female Secretary- General of Kenyatta University Students’ Union (KUSA).

To me politics is natural; just like fish in water.

How did you manage to woo your voters across eight constituencies?

Having lived in the village during my early life, connecting with women, youth and wazee was easy.

I could relate to the issues they faced and shared solutions. The campaign was hectic but we made it with the support of many friends who believed in my course and by God’s grace.

You are a programme manager with an NGO dealing with HIV. What are your plans for Homa Bay County which has the worst HIV indicators in the country?

We continuously sensitise our people on HIV, the importance of knowing their status and accessing treatment. In collaboration with the Governor and the County Assembly, we have ensured adequate budgets are allocated for HIV prevention, care and treatment. We are also working closely with CSOs in Homa Bay.

What is your gripe with Kitutu Chache MP Jimmy Angwenyi?

He is my colleague and friend despite having different political ideology.

We work well together in the Parliamentary Service Commission. During the by-election in Kisii when there were rumours of a confrontation between us – we argued but had no physical confrontation.

How does your Christian background help you in political decision making?

My faith in God is my greatest pillar – it guides my decisions at all times. Knowing God is in control and that I can defer to him when I have reached my wit’s end is a great comfort.

Tell us more about your husband Mr George Wanga

I call him my supporter number one. He has been supportive and was there for me during and after campaigns. He takes care of the children and the home when I am away on duty. He is a loyal friend and committed to my success and our success as a family.

How did the two of you meet?

We met in 2003 and married in 2005.

Does “Mama County” have children?

Yes, I have two children, a boy and a girl — Kayo and Essie.

How do you manage to juggle between family and politics? Juggling family and politics has not been easy, but I set aside time that is strictly for family. 

Do you cook for your husband and when was the last time you had a meal together?

I do not cook as often as I did before, but I still find time to cook and enjoy meals together with my family. We have meals together almost daily. This is when we  catch up on the day’s activities.

What do you love about your husband?

I love his commitment and loyalty. He is diligent, hardworking and takes control of situations I can’t handle. I just love him for who he is. He is also quite good looking.

You are  active on social media. What are your thoughts about hate speech online?

Any leader in this generation cannot afford to ignore social media. I have a rule of thumb which my Facebook friends and Twitter followers have come to learn – I engage actively on constructive issues on moving our county and nation forward. But I ignore hate messages. I urge young people to use social media well to engage with leaders on various issues.

What drives you?

I am driven by passion and the need to serve my people. I believe the power to sustainable development lies with the people. My faith in God is also a major driver

What is the biggest lesson you learnt from your parents?

My parents taught me hard work, determination, honesty and fairness – values which are core in my day to day work. Giving up was not part of their language neither is it part of mine.

Who is your political mentor?

Angela Merkel (German Chancellor) would be that woman. She has achieved a lot and is now probably the most powerful woman in the world yet she is simple and God fearing.

If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

“Mama County Says” is my flagship girl child mentorship programme, which was launched in March this year by Mrs Ida Odinga and the second summit will take place on September 12 with Dr Susan Kidero as the chief guest.

What keeps you awake at night?

Ideas keep me awake at night – particularly when I get light -bulb moments of programmes that can change people’s lives.