Seeing happy people gives me joy

Q:Who is Alice Wahome?

I am a wife and mother of four. I represent the people of Kandara in Parliament and I am a practising lawyer who has been advocating women empowerment since 1985 when I started doing pro bono work for Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya.

Between 1999 and 2001 I was deeply involved in the Women Movement and in the same period joined the Fida council as the vice-chairperson. I also served as a Law Society of Kenya council member for two years.

Tell us about your background and the things or people who influenced you as a girl

I was born and brought up in Kandara in a polygamous family. My parents take the first position among people who have influenced me. My father was keen on discipline and education and was very hard working. My mother’s resilience in keeping a polygamous family together as a first wife and taking care of all the children after my step-mother died are unmatched. Other women who have influenced me are Martha Karua, Nancy Baraza, Wanjiku Kabira, and Phoebe Asiyo.

Where do you think we are as a country in terms of women empowerment?

Many women are still politically naïve. There is need for continuous capacity building. A culture that puts men as superior to women, retrogressive customs, clanism, violence, economic disempowerment are all barriers that keep women from competitive politics. But women must realise that their power to network can propel them to political power.

When did the political bug bite you?

My association with Fida and the LSK gave me a broader understanding of society and the place of politics. It was then I realised that despite our efforts in sensitising women, very few were coming out to join elective politics and I decided it was time to walk the talk. I felt ready, available and qualified enough for political leadership.

Winning a parliamentary seat in Murang’a could not have been easy. Tell us your experience

My first attempt for the Kandara seat was in 2002 when I lost primarily because of my inexperience in managing my vote. That was an eye opener. The 2007 election was rigged against me. I believe I won it and the case is still pending in court, but now that is water under the bridge. In 2013 I won with 52,700 votes. That was decisive and it showed the trust people of Kandara had placed on me.

Are you ready to defend the seat?              

I will be defending my seat.

You said you have 4 children

 Yes. I have three girls and a boy. My first born is in Media, the second born a doctor, the third one a practicing lawyer and the boy is in university doing law.

Do you prepare meals for your family?

I have built enough capacity around me but I cook from time to time. With all the children out of the home it’s only me and my husband and so we don’t do a lot of cooking at home.

Men usually distrust women in politics; is your husband at peace with your ambitions

He is very supportive especially during campaigns. He is a medical doctor, specifically a gynaecologist.

How do you spend your free time?

Do I really get free time? Well, some Sundays when I am not engaged, I attend my local church. I also go out with my husband for coffee and shopping… he enjoys shopping.

What keeps you moving?

God.

What would you call your greatest achievement as MP for Kandara?

I have focused on four key areas – education, water, health and youth and women empowerment. Kandara used to be rated worst in education performance in Murang’a. I engaged parents, teachers and principals to find the problem and how to solve it and I am happy we have made progress.

We are also renovating schools and engaging alumni. We are collaborating with the government to improve water distribution, rehabilitating dispensaries and elevating Kandara Health Centre into a Level 4 Hospital renamed Bildad Kagia Level 4 Hospital. A total of 1,570 cohorts are working under the National Youth Service while 80 women are employed to cook for them.

We want to increase the number of Huduma Kitchens (run by the women) from 20 per ward to 100. Also, we have given out Sh18 million Uwezo funds to 170 women groups and 50 youth groups. Sh6m has been repayed and is ready for further disbursement.

Any higher ambitions beyond being MP in the future?

I am working on my re-election. We can tackle that question after the elections. I have no doubt that I will be re-elected.

A word for women who are afraid of joining politics...

We need you to come out. I believe that unless enough women sit around the decision-making table we will never bring about the change we desire. But women must first establish their sources of funding for politics to survive. I personally depend on my law firm.

What gives you the greatest fulfillment in life?

Family. I am happiest when family is happy. Having a family is a big blessing. I also enjoy seeing people happy with my interventions in the constituency. And I enjoy politics.