JANET ONG’ERA; A POLITICAL HEROINE

JANET ONG’ERA; A POLITICAL HEROINE

Madam Janet Ong’era is no stranger to the Kenyan populace. Her political frame is known by many to be shiny and decorative. Many know her to be highly intelligent, a tough leader, and a fierce supporter of women rights. But what people do not know about this heroine is just how generous she is, having catered to many a people, by giving them a leg up in life. I happen to be a beneficiary of Madam Janet’s kindness, whereby if it were not for her guiding light, I probably would not have been where I am today. That is why she has inspired me to honour her life in this black history month.

Many years ago, when I was a young and upcoming novice, a relative of mine introduced me to this beautiful soul, in hopes that I land myself an internship, at a certain political organization. Little did I know that as soon as I was confirmed, my entire life would forever change. Madam Janet immediately took me under her wings, treated me as her own daughter, introduced me to the political world of Kenya, and for years, moulded me into the woman I have become today. I am not here to bombard you with the story of my life, rather to give you a sneak peek at Madam Ong’era as an individual and how she has inspired many, both men and women in the socio-political arena.

But before I do, here is what you basically need to know about this incredible Kenyan. Prior to being the elected Kisii County Woman Member of the National Assembly in the twelfth parliament, Janet Ong’era was The Executive Director of the Orange Democratic Movement. She was also the Chairperson of the Eastern Africa Region, at the Pan African Parliament. Additionally, Madam Janet is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and the Managing Partner in the law firm, Ong’era and Company. Furthermore, Janet was nominated by The Orange Democratic Movement, to serve as a Senator in the eleventh parliament. At the Senate, she was appointed as The Deputy Minority Whip, and also a Member of the delegation to the Pan African Parliament. She mostly referred to by the title “Madam” with regard to her seniority.

I was Madam Janet’s aid many years ago, operating behind the scenes, to ensure that her working days ran smoothly, while she delicately juggled critical dockets for the organization, as was her job description, without missing a beat. Every step she took and every move she made was a guaranteed success, as she ran the institution without a hitch. Madam Janet taught me a valuable lesson, by showing me of how an educated and self-respecting woman should conduct herself in the place of business. She held herself with high regard, a trait that gained her uttermost acclaim amongst her peers, in a highly charged political atmosphere. She put her brain to work, using her skills, knowledge, and experience to run a tight ship, of which she did without fear or failure.

Moreover, Madam was not one to flaunt her figure or make noise about her beauty. Instead, she kept her life private, viciously guarded her staff, put in back-breaking hours of work, brought substance to the table and served it up with her brain power. Furthermore, she disassociated herself with scandalous people, channelled great ideas for her establishment, helped the youth gain leadership roles in their various communities, and became an exemplary role model for women in leadership.

Madam Janet became the first Kisii woman to be nominated as Senator in the eleventh parliament of Kenya, a position she did not attain by a mare stroke of luck. All the years she poured into people, places, and things, with blood, sweat, and tears, enabled her to obtain this seat, which she was totally deserving and qualified for. I was front and centre, at the time of her tenure in parliament and was proud to see just how far she had come, learning the lessons of how hard work, resilience, patience, a dose of brain power, and a dash of common sense can elevate one to where their dreams take them.

What’s more, Madam Janet is largely used to working with tough crowds, in a male-dominated sphere. She literally had to develop a sturdy backbone, in order to take lead in political matters. She never shied away from challenges or obstacles, never backed out of a fight, took the time to support both women and youth in socio-political matters, worked to serve the natives, never took leave days, and always won and celebrated all her victories. Everyone knows that Madam Janet walks and talks like a champion, putting her talents into good use, and teaching women to aspire for greatness and not be content with a mediocre life. Moreover, she taught me that I could only go so far with a tube top, and a hiked-up skirt, showing cleavage, and vibrating thighs. Alternatively, she led me to the pathway of a protégé, teaching me on how to; invest in knowledge, how to obtain and maintain power, how to walk in strength, courage, and wisdom, and how to trust in God, in the midst of the unknown.

Everything Madam Janet has achieved is first of all by God’s grace and his mercy, and secondly by merit. She proved herself worthy of being a politician, knowing well that in this nation of Kenya, you cannot afford to show your teeth, if you are trying to breakthrough into the political circle and become a mainstay. Rather, you must develop a political backbone, to keep you rock steady in this volatile arena. Her background in law also comes in handy, for her ultimate protection, just incase barbaric individuals and corporates try to run her over, she will use this muscle and instead give them a run for their money.

Finally, her desire to empower fellow women to develop in all aspects of their lives, is her life’s calling. It is for this reason that she birthed the Green Fingers International, to help rural women incorporate organic farming into their sustenance. Janet Ong'era is also the Founder and Patron of Kisii County Women Agribusiness Empowerment (KCWAES), a savings and credit cooperative society that empowers women to grow and transform their economic status.

Here is to you Madam Janet Ong’era; a true heroine you are. You may not know how many lives you have touched but know this, that you touched and changed mine for the better. May God continue to elevate you in this life and in the next one!