This archive report was first published on 10 September 2019.
Ruto's Women Lobby Group Inua Mama Plagued by Power Struggles ¶
Deputy President William Ruto's women lobby group, Inua Mama, is facing internal power struggles as women leaders fight for control of the DP's campaign kitty and influence in his government.
Formed in a bid to counter the 'Embrace' women politicians caucus allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM supremo Raila Odinga, Inua Mama has been crisscrossing the country conducting fundraisers to help women form Saccos while popularizing the DP's 2022 presidential bid.
Chaired by Kandara MP Alice Wahome and Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, the group boasts of over 50 nominated and elected MPs and senators from across the political divide. However, a fierce fight for William Ruto's ear and attention is threatening to tear the group apart.
Some of the top members have been fingered for being arrogant, proud, and sidelining other regions, where the DP has followers like in Kalenjin-dominated Rift Valley, parts of Western, Kisii, and Maasailand.
The creme de la creme of the group receive money from the DP to finance the lobby operations and have created a wall around the DP and his handlers much to the chagrin of his key ground supporters.
At the Coast, members of the group are leaving in droves, accusing Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa of failing to channel Ruto's money to them. They say Jumwa has been playing hide and seek games with them whenever she collects money from the DP for their facilitation.
It remains to be seen which of the two factions will have the final laugh.
Published on September 10, 2019
