More women should come forward and join politics

Q: Who is Everlyne Aruasa?

She is a God-fearing lady, a lawyer and politician.

Why did you join politics?

When I was growing up, I saw women suffer. Politicians would come, lie to them and go away. I wanted to fulfill promises and upgrade their living standards by bringing development in the county.

I wanted to help our women who walk long distances in search of water. I wanted to take girls back to school and buy them sanitary pads.

Is it true that you were helped to get the position of Narok Deputy Governor?

This is a big lie … why do people have a notion that when a woman has risen, she must have been helped to rise? I made it by myself.

I joined politics in 2007 when I ran for a parliamentary seat and ended up as number two. In 2013, they came looking for me so that I could be the deputy governor because they had seen the potential that I had and the governor chose me to be his running mate. This is because of my hard work; nothing like being helped.

How old are you?

I am 33 years old

You are the youngest woman in politics; how did you feel when you were elected?

I was happy and at the same time very grateful for the opportunity, especially being a young woman holding a big position.

What have you achieved since becoming deputy governor?

I was elected the first chair of the deputy governors’ forum for two years. Being a leader in a pastoralist community, I have helped more girls enrol in school.

Were your parents alarmed by your decision to join politics?

Being the only daughter in a family of five boys, they gave me all the support I needed.

What have you done to improve the lives of women in Narok?

Capacity building for women. I have allocated funds for women’s groups in the county.

I have conducted fund-raising meetings for women which have helped to raise their living standards.

What do you enjoy the most about your work?

Meeting new people. It gives me the fulfilment that, indeed, I was elected to help people around me.

What drives you?

Making a difference in someone’s life. It is these little things that we do that make a difference in the lives of people.

If you were to mentor women, what would you tell them?

It is possible to hold positions of power; what they need to do is to come up and convince people to elect them. The electorate is looking for someone who can help and work for them regardless of the gender.

Who is your role model?

Martha Karua … she has served in many capacities in the country and she has proved that despite being a woman, she can do it. So long as you dedicate yourself to it.

What do you do for fun?

I hang out with friends and family.

Why did you shave your hair?

I like it short. I am a very simple lady.

What’s your favourite meal?

Fish and ugali.

What do you like doing in your free time?

I like reading … I read a lot. Currently I am reading Anthony Robbinson’s  Awaken The Giant Within.

What is your favourite music?

Rhumba

What is your favourite colour?

Blue

Are you going to defend your seat?

Niwachie nani? ... People need me and I am the people’s voice so I have to go for it.