Bomet Woman Representative Linet ‘Toto’ Chepkorir made history in the General Elections in August, when she became the youngest elected woman representative in Parliament, ever.
Toto previously disclosed that she had never held a job, jumping into the world of politics immediately after securing her procurement degree from Tharaka University. Her goal was to be elected as a Member of Parliament (MP).
Her parents were among those who didn’t think it was the best idea to dive head-first into the murky political scene, instead urging her to first build her career in procurement. Toto, however, was determined to see her dream come true.
She threw her hat in the ring for the woman rep position ahead of party primaries by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Many laughed her off, including experienced politicians. Reports even emerged indicating that, at one point, she was denied entry to President William Ruto’s Karen residence during a UDA aspirants’ meeting. Toto would however stay the course.
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Her grassroot campaigns slowly but surely won her favor with the electorate, and attracted big-name politicians who supported her. Among them is Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok who reportedly helped finance her campaign.
She engaged various groups including churches, traders and different women groups as she rallied support for her bid. Come UDA primaries day, Toto hit the headlines across the country as she floored nine other candidates to clinch the UDA ticket.
Clinching the UDA ticket made her the favorite to win the seat in the August polls, and she didn’t disappoint, duly making history as the youngest elected woman rep.
Since her big win, Toto has had more eyes on her than ever. At a forum in Rwanda, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua even took time to single her out, offering an example of women making strides in leadership.
In November, she bought her first car – an SUV she hopes will help her serve Bomet residents better. Toto has previously asserted that she’s committed to proving that youth and women in leadership can be effective.
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