Agnes Zani: I am glad I stayed the course despite the pressure

Nominated Senator Agnes Zani was on Thursday picked to act as ODM Secretary General. Dr Zani was two years ago dismissed by some as a political greenhorn when she declared her interest in the seat. In an interview with The Standard on Sunday writer LILLIAN ALUANGA-DELVAUX, she speaks of her agenda, ODM challenges and Coast politics.

Q: Your appointment as ODM acting Secretary General comes over a year since you vied for the position and later lost to Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba. Does the recent turn of events, in a sense make you feel vindicated?

A: I wouldn’t say I feel vindicated because occupying this position is more about service. Its all about aligning ourselves, as a party, in a way that is going to work. What is happening now wouldn’t have happened if the events of 2014 did not occur. I am glad I stayed the course and never gave up despite the pressure I had to contend with at the time.

What is your agenda for the party? What, in your view, is of immediate concern and how do you intend to handle this?

I have been working as one of the party’s deputy secretary generals in charge of strategy and I intend to continue with the work that we had started. I would want to give the party some sense of organisation. I had also been working on ways to streamline structures within the party and it would be my wish to see this realised. On a national level, it’s all about the 2017 General Elections, consolidating the voter register, ensuring we get enough votes, and getting people out to vote.

You are taking on this position at a time when the party is facing internal strife. How do you propose to navigate this and what will you be doing that is different from your predecessors?

My approach will focus more on getting on board as many players as possible, and building consensus within the party. There is need to listen to the voice of the people on the ground and maintain contact with them. The party’s tour of Western Kenya slated for next week was already a part of this plan even as we continue running our programmes and getting the work done. ODM is alive and well and has been around for a while. It has structures in place and is moving on to the next level. There is also need to deflect the argument from the personalities holding positions and look at the work that is being done.

What statement do you think your appointment makes to other major political parties with regards to women’s role in leadership?

It confirms what ODM stands for by recognising the value of women in leadership. It reaffirms there are no gender barriers within the party and that women don’t only count for their votes. It’s a challenge for other parties to follow suit.

I believe the time is now for the women because the barriers that held us back for so long are giving way. Globally, events are also pointing to this, with Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Party presidential nominee and the UK getting its second female PM Theressa May. Locally, our party’s technical team is already working on identifying ‘strong’ women at the grassroots to mentor and train them in preparation for the 2017 elections.

There are those who feel your appointment will create another centre of power at the Coast given that the position of deputy party leader is already in the hands of Mombasa County Governor Hassan Joho. Do you share this view?

I don’t think so. The different roles within the National Executive Council are very specific. As the party’s spokesperson, for instance, my role is to articulate the party’s position on matters that have been agreed upon. In my view having several people from the region holding positions gives us a sense of service.

What does your appointment mean to the Coast region, and in particular Kwale County?

I believe it will motivate its residents. Women in Kwale have suffered double marginalisation,both from the system and certain cultures. I believe my appointment, has in some way, broken this barrier. They now see its possible for women to be recognised by a major political party regardless of where they come from.

What is your view on the ongoing efforts to address the fate of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)?

We have taken a position as a party based on the feedback we have been getting from our members who are part of the select committee. The party has demanded that the parliamentary Justice and Legal Affairs committee led by Samuel Chepkonga suspend its deliberations on IEBC. The select team of 14 MPs has a lot of work to do in charting the way forward to streamline a leaking institution. It should be given room to work.

On a party level, its all systems go as we prepare for 2017 elections. We have learnt from our past mistakes, we have the numbers, and if IEBC works efficiently we are confident of carrying the day.