By Gĩtaũ wa Kũng'ũ (profgitauwakungu@gmail.com).
Yesterday was a great day for Murang'a Basket Weavers and the Kenyan families at large. Nominated Senator Hon. Veronica Maina hosted a victorious Kigumo Basket Weavers Expo and Fundraiser event in Kigumo, Murang'a County.
As interesting as it is weaving a basket wholely, the success was not without a tough, victorious fight!
Hon Veronica Maina, popular with her branding slogan ‘Vero ni tiki,’ invited the international guests.
They included Hon Anne Mutavati, UN Women Empowerment, Kenya; Deputy Ambassador, Chinese Embassy Mr. Zhang Zhizhong; representative from the Embassy of Switzerland and other distinguished guests.
The guests gave hope to the basket weavers that they will facilitate the marketing of their works of art to markets in their countries.
“We thank the China and Switzerland governments for not only honouring our call but also promising to create market for our basketry products,” Hon Veronica Maina.
She passed the mic to Maragua constituency MP Hon Mary Wamaua to run the event as temporary MC, representing Kigumo MP Hon Joseph Munyoro. All went smoothly until the hysterical late entrance of Women Rep Hon Betty Maina into Kigumo Bendera High School grounds.
Sooner than later, Wamaua called Betty Maina to the dais.
Betty refused to acknowledge Wamaua’s invitation to the dais, wondering aloud where the area MP was.
An unwelcome over shadowing heavily pregnant cloud of tension and violence almost broke its waters.
The County Commissioner’s security team responded aptly and the rabble rousers were neutralised.
Eventually, everything returned to normalcy. After Murang'a deputy governor Hon Stephen Munania addressed the audience. He promised that Dr. Irungu Kang'ata's county government will continue women empowerment programs like basketry.
CS Lands Hon Alice Wahome took over the program.
She admonished the day's political shenanigan. “Young leaders especially women should avoid disrespectful public speeches against others if they want to go far,” CS Wahome continued, “You don't go ordering your in-laws in her own backyard.”
“Sisters of the mountain, respect your elders. Respect each other. It's time for women to unite not engage in self-destructive, little fights. Women are the pillars of the community, we cannot be weak!” CS Alice Wahome advised.
Then Jubilee nominated MP, the former women rep Hon Sabina Chege registered in a cerebrated arrival.
Sabina Chege went to the podium amidst jubilant welcoming as the Wanjiru wa Waya’s hit song
“Kuuma waathiĩ,
‘maitũ,’ kuuma waathiĩ,
nĩkwanyitaniire guothe.”
The atmosphere was loud with a spirited pitiful song by the audience as they cried of being left in unreliable hands after Sabina's leaving office.
“I’m saddened by hearing of today's commotion and I humbly request that this doesn't happen again. Respect is priceless,” Hon Sabina said.
CS Wahome then invited CS Gender, Arts, Culture and Heritage Hon Aisha Jumwa.
Hon Jumwa vowed to support women enterprises using Women Empowerment Fund.
“My ministry has developed a Sanaa App where women, including the basket weavers can gain international market exposure to sell their beautiful works of art like these colourful ciondos,” CS Jumwa said.
She also encouraged women to form cooperatives and her ministry will cooperate with the CS Cooperatives and MSMES to bring their ideas and dreams to fulfilment. She encouraged women groups to also liaise with Women Enterprises Fund (WEF), Hustler Fund, Uwezo Fund and other relevant Women Empowerment kitties.
She also repremanded against gender based violence (GBV) and called for unity of women.
The chief guest of the day, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprices EGH Hon Simon Kiprono Chelugui took to the dais.
CS Chelugui encouraged the anticipating basket weavers that his office will indeed cooperate with CS Gender’s office to empower the women’s artisan cooperatives.
“HE president Ruto has mandated my office to support the women who come knocking into the office. Form a cooperative and we'll walk together,” He said.
The co-ops and MSMES CS promised to cooperate with Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) to ensure more women are subscribed into training in economical artistry.
Ksh. 5,090,000 was the amount raised during Kigumo Basket Weavers Expo and Fundraiser.
