Renson Mwakandana
One of Kenya’s seven newly elected female governors briefly left high school as a teenager to work as a domestic servant. She claims it happened because her family was struggling.
It happened when she was about 14 years old, according to Kawira Mwangaza, who was officially sworn in as the new governor of Meru county.
“I worked as a house help for almost a year. It was difficult but I knew deep down I was born a winner,” the politician, in her late forties said.
“I never gave up hope that one day I would escape from the claws of poverty and succeed in life.”
In Kenya, housekeepers often receive low pay and work in long shifts in an unregulated field. She persevered, though, and returned to school the next year. She later used the money from her little business to pay for her college degree.
Ms. Mwangaza, a successful entrepreneur, developed a political interest in 2013 and unsuccessfully ran for parliament. Four years later, she was victorious after winning the unique seat of county woman representative, which was created to increase the number of women in parliament.
Her spouse, artist and producer Murega Baichu, provided musical entertainment at rallies during her campaign, attracting sizable audiences. He also performed at the swearing-in ceremony that took place at Meru county. He also becomes the county’s first gentleman.
Few female politicians occupy elected posts in Kenya, where they frequently face discrimination and intimidation. Kawira Mwangaza’s story provides hope for women not only in the political arena but in all fields of life and acts as an inspiration to many.
