Powerful Woman Driving Ruto's 2022 Agenda

It is no longer a question whether Deputy President William Ruto will run for the presidency in 2022. The rise of women splinter groups in Kenya has cemented his name among the top contenders.

Inua Mama is reportedly aligned to DP Ruto while its supposed rival faction Team Embrace supports the handshake brigade led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and AU Envoy Raila Odinga.

Among the women leaders in Inua Mama is Kandara MP Alice Wahome who stands out from the pack as she is the chairperson of the group.

Wahome, who is serving her second term in parliament, is among the notable Mt Kenya leaders Ruto banks on.

According to Dalphine Njeri, an Inua Mama strategist, the outfit looks up to Wahome. Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the communications expert, however, distanced the group from reports that they are a political outfit out to praise politicians.

"Alice Wahome is a supreme member of the outfit and has been able to unite the women. That's why we do not have divisive politics within our ranks. She is in charge of the logistics and running the outfit.

"Inua Mama is not aligned to any politician. It's about us women coming together to empower other women in the community. We are not funded by any politician. We contribute monthly and plan our diary," Njeri defended.

She went on to ascertain that Wahome was elected by the group, which entails over 40 women leaders, including, Laikipia Woman Representative Cate Waruguru, her counterparts Gladys Shollei (Uasin Gishu), Wangui Ngirici (Kirinyaga), Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika.

The outfit meets select times during the month to check on progress and plan for rallies. She further affirmed that their mission was to launch projects geared towards youth and women empowerment.

"People are so selective of us. They pick what they want from our speeches, there is a bigger picture apart from that. The leaders transform lives within the community. 

"We are not like Team Embrace which doesn't have an agenda other than supporting the handshake. They are a praise choir," Njeri argued. 

On Wednesday, November 27, Murang'a Woman Representative, Sabina Chege, a Team Embrace leader, declared that the women groups would be scrapped off after the BBI launch. However, Wahome and her team responded back, stating that their outfit's mission and vision had not yet been achieved.

"Inua mama is all about empowering women socially and economically. Not a tool for political advancements and therefore can’t be merged with other groups with different agenda other than that. However, ideas on how we can reach out to more women in mashinani are most welcome," Wahome stated.

The legislator is a staunch supporter of health initiatives. She has not spoken over whether she would run for the legislative seat for the third time or whether she will go for a higher seat. However, her authoritativeness and leadership sets her apart from her peers. 

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