In a poised and insightful appearance on Siaya’s top-rated talkshow HARD TALK, Woman Representative Dr. Christine Ombaka showcased her track record of prudent leadership while announcing her bold ambition to vie for the Gem Constituency parliamentary seat in the upcoming elections.
The seasoned legislator, a former academic with deep roots in education and governance, emphasized that her extensive experience managing the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) has equipped her uniquely for higher responsibilities. She highlighted the fund’s strict national government audits, proudly noting her impeccable stewardship: zero scandals, no Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigations, and a reputation as one of Kenya’s most transparent and effective legislators.
“NGAAF is rigorously audited by the national government,” Ombaka stated confidently. “My prudent use of these resources has allowed me to deliver without blemish – a testament to disciplined leadership that I will bring to Gem.”
Despite acknowledging the fund’s modest allocation limits her scope, Ombaka pointed to concrete achievements under her watch: establishing two model markets in each sub-county, ensuring fair bursary distribution to students across Siaya, rapid emergency responses complementing national efforts, and targeted youth empowerment initiatives.
On youth opportunities, she clarified that legislators foster enabling environments rather than direct employment. Her flagship program encourages young people to form registered groups and secure grants of KES 100,000 to 200,000, propelling many into table banking and small-scale entrepreneurship for lasting self-reliance.
The interview’s pivotal moment came when moderator Lawrence Jeffrey asked why she is pursuing the Gem MP seat instead of defending her Woman Representative position. Ombaka framed her decision as a strategic step forward for gender equity and personal readiness.
“My background in academia – teaching, leading, listening, and communicating effectively – combined with the solid foundation built through the affirmative action seat, has prepared me thoroughly to contest and win in Gem,” she explained. “It’s a shame Siaya has only had one female legislator at the national level for years. Compare that to Homa Bay with four women and four men MPs, or Kisumu with leaders like Rosa Buyu and Ruth Odinga.”
She added forcefully: “I’m confident of being elected in Gem. By stepping aside, I open the affirmative seat for another capable woman – ensuring Siaya gains at least two women leaders out of nine, advancing toward the one-third gender representation goal even if we don’t fully meet it yet.”
Addressing internal ODM dynamics, Ombaka urged calm and maturity amid debates over leadership and the Party Leader role between factions linked to Oburu Odinga and Edwin Sifuna. “The concerns are legitimate, but the hype is overblown,” she said. “Both sides must approach this soberly to preserve Baba’s [Raila Odinga] rich legacy.”
On the brewing tensions in Ramula over Shanta Gold’s mining plans threatening displacements, Ombaka confirmed an active fact-finding mission underway, with plans to question the mining minister in Parliament once fully informed.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Ombaka radiated assurance – upbeat, deeply informed, and razor-sharp – reinforcing her image as a battle-tested, scandal-free leader ready to elevate Siaya’s representation. Her pivot to Gem is positioned not as retreat, but as progression: leveraging proven integrity and expertise to champion broader development and shatter barriers for women in politics.
With 2027 on the horizon, Ombaka’s campaign could mark a turning point for inclusive leadership in Siaya – if voters embrace her vision of doubled female voices and accountable progress.
