MPs' wives resolve to play bigger role in society

Spouses of MPs have concluded a two day meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) where they discussed their role in national cohesion and resolved to be peace ambassadors in their constituencies.

The spouses of male National Assembly members explored their role as agents of change and resolved to be more actively involved in initiatives geared towards peace in society, particularly focusing on reaching out to the youth to urge them to shun radicalisation.

The meeting was convened through a partnership between the National Assembly Lady Spouses Association (Nalsa) and the Directorate of National Cohesion and National Values.

The association, whose membership cuts across the cultural, religious and political diversity, was formed in 2013 to explore ways in which MPs’ spouses could be involved in peace initiatives even when their husbands are at times divided along political lines.

The group’s chairperson, Jackie Kiaraho, spouse to Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho said Nalsa is in a hugely unique position by virtue of being neither political nor affiliated to any sectoral body.

“Our interests are purely social and reconciliatory. We will therefore use this given platform to stir positive change in our country,” she said in her address to the women.

NOT TREATED FAIRLY

Addressing the meeting, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta called for increased participation and influence of women at all levels of decision-making.

She said though crucial contributors to all spheres of the society, they are not always given the treatment they deserve.

“As women we are not always treated fairly; not by family nor community. Our interests are neither well received nor are they acted upon”, she said during the official opening ceremony.

Mrs Kenyatta said the spouses association holds a unique position due to the close interaction its members have with their respective communities.

“As spouses of leaders (MPs), you are well placed to create positive attitudes in our country”, she said, and asked Nalsa members to be the moral and social voice of the Kenyan people.

When it was formed 16 months ago, Nalsa's main objective was to provide a platform where the female spouses of MPs would support and encourage each other in various ways.

“As spouses of MPs, we realised we face common challenges and opportunities and that’s how we decided to form a support group,” Mrs Kiaraho said.

PIVOTAL ROLE

A rich blend of professionals and home-makers, the association draws its strength from its grassroots connections, its members’ influence at the constituency level and the goodwill they enjoy from their constituencies and the government with the support of the First Lady and Deputy President William Ruto’s wife, Rachael Ruto.

Outgoing Principal Secretary for Interior Monica Juma said the spouses play a pivotal role at both the family and national level. She said their aspirations are an added advantage to national cohesion efforts.

Amb Juma particularly urged them to focus their energies towards addressing radicalisation among the youth through their initiatives at the grassroots level.

The association, with a membership of 120, has since been involved in various community activities and social initiatives in constituencies around the country.

The MPs’ spouses were also strongly visible at the funerals of Josse Ngugi, George Muchai and Fidel Odinga where they came together to console their members Joyce Ngugi, Susan Muchai and Ida Odinga, respectively.

The women retain life membership even when their husbands cease being members of the National Assembly. The association is run by an executive board consisting of 17 members, two representing each of the former eight provinces in the country.

The group’s chairperson said their motto is to embrace Kenyans in their diversity and to be involved in initiatives that assist women and youth in their constituencies.

On behalf of the spouses, she thanked the MPs for supporting the initiative. “We would not have Nalsa without these noble characters; we especially wish to thank them for their encouragement, their support and their provision of all the resources that we have needed for all our endeavours,” she said.

In return, they pledged to support the MPs both officially in nation building and on the homefront.

BRING KENYANS TOGETHER

Faiza Junet, wife to Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, said their intention is to provide the missing link between the various stakeholders and the government with their spouses in terms of national values and national cohesion.

“At the end, they are our husbands and after all is said and done they come back home to us so we can reason with them and correct them where we feel they are going wrong in terms of the interests of this country,” she said. “Our aim is to unite the country and bring Kenyans together.”

The First Lady described as noble the peace, cohesion and integration initiatives undertaken by Nalsa and urged the association to visit primary and secondary schools and inculcate the same values amongst the youth.

“These initiatives will educate Kenyans on the importance of national cohesion and national values”, she said.

With active and focused leadership, Mrs Kenyatta said Nalsa, in collaboration with government departments, could convert many Kenyans into active agents of change.