By Milliam Murigi (The People Daily)
An accident changed Migori Women’s Representative, Dennitah Ghati’s life. She shares her struggles and triumphs
At what point in your life did you develop political ambition?
As early as I can remember. In primary school I was always was a prefect. This honed my skills for leadership. I remember at Columbia University in US, where I did my Master’s degree, one of my professors asked me if I would consider politics to change Africa.
I thought he was only joking, but he told me to get in and root out the vice. In 2008 when working with the League of Kenya Women Voters I met leaders such as Martha Karua and Ida Odinga who encouraged me to vie for a political position. I took up the challenge.
What are your views in the area of of gender equality and Affirmative Action in so far as absorbing women in public offices is concerned?
We are trying but we still need serious political goodwill. We have nothing to write home about, especially when we compare ourselves to our neighbours Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania. We need commitment to achieve gender parity.
Look at the case of former deputy Inspector-General of Police Grace Kaindi, she was retired and instead of getting a woman to fill her position they gave it to a man. Society still thinks women are good at deputising. When will society see a man as also fit to deputise a woman?
You were involved in an accident in 2014 since which time you have been confined to a wheelchair.How did the accident change your life?
It is now two years since the accident occurred. It slowed me down a little bit but never killed my spirit. I have adjusted to my new status and I am making great strides in my healing process.
My opponents quickly ran to spread all manner of propaganda that I was unable to work or discharge my duties, to the extent of even collecting signatures for my recall!
The only difference now is that I use a wheelchair when I have to do tedious work that requires a lot of movement. My brain is intact, as sharp as before. I have the zeal and determination to work for my people. An accident is a life-altering experience.
How has the transition been for you, especially as a mother and a woman who was preparing to get married?
I am a mother of a six -year-old daughter who has had to adjust to my status. She is my pillar and prays for me every night. My partner has been supportive throughout the journey. He had to cut short his studies abroad to be available for me. Our wedding plans had to slow down as we concentrate on the healing process, but watch this space.
Has your political life been slowed down, if at all?
I am a hands-on person. My political life has not really slowed down although I do not frequently visit the county as much as I would have loved to. I, however, have an amazing team of staff and coordinators in the various sub-counties who are supportive.
How do fellow parliamentarians relate with you?
Parliament can be hectic. But I am glad they have been understanding. I have lost some parliamentarian friends as a result of the accident but have also created new and long-lasting ones. Majority have been there for me, encouraging and sharing new ideas and strategies.
Some of your political opponents wrote you off after the accident, What was your reaction?
They did so because they fear me. In fact am the only person they would rather combine forces to remove. I am a tree with sweet fruits that everyone wants to throw a stone at. They actually thought I was dead but they were surprised when ‘I resurrected.’
You are vocal on women rights. What have you done in Parliament to advance this cause?
The issue of women rights comes naturally to me. I have worked in various women rights organisations both locally and in New York where I studied for my Master’s degree. I have been instrumental in bringing motions to address the increasing nature of violence against women with a keen interest on Female Genital Mutilation.
Your political rivals believe that the ODM party ticket was literally handed to you as a result of political wheeler-dealing. What do you have to say about this claim?
Far from the truth. I campaigned in all the eight sub-counties of Migori County with no negotiations at all. Do you know that the nomination had actually been given to someone who came a distant third? I had to fight for that ticket at the IEBC tribunal that had been set to hear nomination disputes.
Will you defend your seat in the coming elections?
I am not done with Migori County.
In moments of gloom and pain what is the one thing that gives you the strength to face another day?
Prayer moves mountains. I am a prayerful person and determined too. I never give up easily. My heart is made of steel.
What would you do differently today if the clock was turned back 10 years?
Nothing. I would live each day as if it was my last. I have achieved a lot for my age and I thank God for everything. Becoming a Women Rep at 34 is no mean achievement.
(READ THE MAIN ARTICLE HERE:…. http://www.mediamaxnetwork.co.ke/people-daily/192612/my-heart-is-made-of-steel-says-migori-womens-rep/ )
Dennitah Ghati,moona weito iam very sorry to what happened in your life,but iam very happy that your resolve and determination spirit to help your people is still intact.We the kuria community stand with you in prayers and in moral support.We are looking forward to aday when you will regain back your feet.Iam astrong believer and have seen extra-ordinary miracles happening,and you are not exceptional.God will work his way the way He saved you from death in that accident.You have my support moona weito.Enookwe akorende na family yao.
I wish Dennitah Gati the very best. The accident was a challenge but her good will for Migori women folk is still there. She has brought a lot of hope to the Migori women by supporting the women groups to be economically strong. Keep up the spirit!
Nothing happens behind God’s back. God saw it and said, “No” my daughter there is so much to be done. God knows very well that you are a strong lady and you can ride on.
I therefore want to encourage you to have that which you had for your future plans and push on. You have what it takes my dear and I know you are very able to move on. Never give an ear to those who tell you that you will not make in the prevailing circumstances.
I saw you in Nairobi Hospital and I have not made efforts to meet you again. This is not an indicator that you are nowhere in my list of friends. God will keep you strong. BE BLESSED, WILL MEET SOON.
Monaweito weito musubati mungu ako na wewe usikufe roho nanjua kwa hii Dunia hawezi pendwa na kila mtu but congratulations kwa kazi nzuri unayo ifanyw