Siaya: Warembo na Raila Chairperson Lillyane Aketch Vows to Replace Long-serving Christine Ombaka

The position will fall vacant now that three-term MP Dr. Christine Ombaka has shifted her interest to the Gem Constituency parliamentary seat.

Dr. Christine Ombaka (right) symbolically escorts Lillyane Aketch (centre) at the Sigand Luo Cultural Festival where the latter was feted for being the most influential female Luo youth leader. Photo | Donated

In an online interview with Digital Strategist Lawrence Jeffrey, Lillyane launched her manifesto which included addressing the perennial water problem and how it affects maternal health in Siaya County.

Under Social Development, Lillyane outlined the problem as the majority of the people of Siaya having limited access to safe drinking water and low-cost fuel.

“It is estimated that 89% of Kenya’s urban population can access safe drinking water, while 49% of the rural population has access to portable water from various sources such as boreholes and rivers,” said the erudite Lillyane, adding “These statistics overlook the condition of women in Siaya who often have to cover long distances during dry spells to look for water. Water collection is thus a task that not only increases women’s workload but also shifts their priorities for family care, especially during the dry season.”

Villagers congregate at a shallow well in Lela, Siaya County. Water is a significant problem hampering development. Photo | USAID

In her blueprint of solutions Lillyane vowed to help in the facilitation and construction of small, medium water tanks to help with the supply of water.

She also pledged to assist with rehabilitation and sinking of new boreholes and wells to reduce women’s workload.

She vowed to launch a clear-policy sensitisation program on the importance of roof catchments and rock catchments for water collection.

To assist in environmental conservation Lillyane proposed the promotion of wider use of solar and wind energy. Development of energy efficient stoves. Better management of forest schemes to improve yields and expansion and upgrading of the green energy sources.

Lillyane, who is well-known all over the country for her advocacy for the girl-child and maternal healthcare said the time had come for the Luo community to shift away from the cultural practice of wife inheritance as it was one of the most virulent means for transmitting the HIV/AIDS virus.

Having worked closely with the African Union Commission Chairmanship frontrunner Raila Amollo Odinga, Lillyane said Baba is the most suitable candidate for the job. She, however, expressed fears that the Orange Democratic Movement ODM Party may disintegrate following internal power wrangles among senior officials.

Lillyane is the third politician to come out in public and declare interest in the Siaya County Woman Representative position. The other is Nairobi businesswoman Awino Wagwau and an MCA from Gem Constituency.

Though the position of Woman Representative is normally rigourously contested, boardroom negotiations on how to distribute the Governorship, Senate and other county positions among the six sub-Counties of Siaya usually come into play.

Lillyane Aketch (standing) at the annual Kings and Queens of Siaya get-together in December last year.

Lillyane Aketch has the advantage of location (she hails from Sigomere in Ugunja Constituency) apparent good breeding and education, popularity and an excellent rapport with Siaya political movers and shakers. She also brings to the contest a new factor – astonishing beauty and youth.

Away from politics, Lillyane is an international model and brand promoter.

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