Lionesses of politics: Women taking on powerful men - and winning

Women governors from left; Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) and Cecil Mbarire (Embu)/ HANDOUT For decades, Kenya’s political arena has been overwhelmingly a male preserve, the rough-and-tumble arena ruled unquestioned by men.

The language said it all. Politics revolved around “kingpins”, “strongmen”, “big men”, “political generals”, “big boys”, “old boys network”, “may the best man win.”

Women often were, and still are expected to play supporting roles — mobilising crowds, running women’s wings and providing political symbolism, tokenism.

They have faced insults and humiliation, clan curses, persistent sexism and claims of male superiority, even physical assaults and violence at their events. They also face the persistent problem of raising money because backing them has not always been seen as a sure bet. Many lack networks and must go it alone, starting by establishing concrete records at the community grassroots level.