When she approached her husband that she wanted to join politics the answer was a big NO.
How can a woman quit her business to join politics?
This was in 2021 and the general elections were drawing closer.
But ‘Mama Truddy’ as she is called by her neighbors thought she was ripe to seek an elective seat.
“He said it was a bad idea but since I saw my aunt become an MCA I could not let go of my ambitions,” said Esther as she paused to receive a call from her campaigns communications person.
“I am now used to receiving a lot of calls and they constantly remind me that there are people who look up to me,” she furthers after the call.
With no experience and resources Esther Raila is hoping to be the next Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Migosi Ward.
But where did all this start?
I am always honest with the electorates, they know I don’t have money to dish out like other politicians
Esther Raila
Agwambes
When you hear the name Esther Raila you might think she is Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s daughter or sibling.
But no, they just come from the same area with a distant relation.
The name just seems to attract political inspirations.
Just like the late Orie Rogo Manduli who is her role model, Esther has been nick named Agwambes.
With a little resemblance she has since adopted her style to woo voters to her side.
“I am always honest with the electorates, they know I don’t have money to dish out like other politicians,” she said.
Esther always saw her mum on the campaign trails.
Like mother like daughter she decided to join her mother.
I was not able to get money to join campus, but if I would have got someone to pay for my fees I would now be working for Lake Region Bulletin or in the courts
Esther Raila
While pursuing her secondary education she was always a student leader.
She facilitated the formation of various associations which granted her fame among her peers.
After high school Esther wanted to be a scribe or a lawyer but could not achieve her desires due to lack of fees.
“I was not able to get money to join campus, but if I would have got someone to pay for my fees I would now be working for Lake Region Bulletin or in the courts,” said Esther jokingly.
Migosi Ward Seat
The mother of four now a business woman offering outside catering services says education will be her main agenda if she wins the August polls.
Contesting with Ukur Yatani’s Upia Party Esther says she is not scared of her opponent in the ODM party which is considered the dominant party in the region.
I would urge residents to try out a woman even if it is not me
Esther Raila
“The electorates are now not concentrating on the party but individuals and what they are capable of doing,” she said.
She says she failed to trust in the party after rumors erupted that individuals were being handed tickets.
Esther Raila will be facing Pamela Awuor of ODM, the incumbent Victor Rodgers, Paul Achayo who is contesting as an independent candidate among others.
She however urges the residents to vote in woman in the event she is not their choice.
“I would urge residents to try out a woman even if it is not me,” she said.
Her Manifesto
Esther has hit the ground with a heavy manifesto in her quest for the seat.
The heavily-loaded manifesto has transformed campaigns in the ward which is claimed to be the most contested among the 35 wards in the county.
I believe am the best candidate for this ward
Esther Raila
With education, health, community development, infrastructure, unemployment and reducing the insecurity rates in the area, she believed to be ahead of her competitors.
“I believe am the best candidate for this ward,” she confidently said.
She says her plans include ensuring all children from poor backgrounds attend school through the inclusive and equal allocation of bursary without discrimination.
Esther pledged to build a community resource center and improve infrastructure through collaboration especially on the areas where businesses thrive.
She has also promised to work closely with the county government to improve healthcare provision for easy access to residents.
In tackling unemployment, she says she will focus on empowering women groups through seeking resources to make them economically and financially empowered.
She has also pleaded with electorates to vote in Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
As a woman being in politics is crazy, balancing family and politics during this period is my greatest challenge
Esther Raila
Family and Politics
Balancing politics and family as well as mobilizing resources for her campaigns are Esther’s biggest challenge.
“As a woman being in politics is crazy, balancing family and politics during this period is my greatest challenge,” she said.
She however says her family is her greatest support system.
Her children she says, constantly surprise her with encouragement quotes while she is out for campaigns.
This motivates her to stay out to make the family’s dream come true,
With only 25 days to the polls, Esther Raila is hoping to lead the residents of an area she has lived in for the last 13 years.
