P.3 dropout defeats MP Lomwar in Kotido NRM polls
“I used to think politics was only for men,” added Rose Nakiru, a mother of four.
Kotido: In a historic political upset, Irwata Josephine, a former Primary Three dropout from Lokitelebu Sub-county, has defeated incumbent MP Lomwar Muhammed to become the NRM Vice Chairperson for Kotido Municipality.
Her victory marks a turning point in a district where leadership has traditionally been a male preserve.
At 49 years old, Irwata’s rise from a humble background to a top political position is being hailed as a powerful testament to determination and the potential of grassroots leadership.
“In my community, women were told leadership wasn’t for them,” Irwata said. “But I knew I had to try not just for myself, but for every woman who has been overlooked.”
Born and raised in Nariamlira village, Irwata faced cultural and economic barriers that cut her education short at Primary Three. Despite this, she refused to be defined by her circumstances. Her journey into leadership was ignited when she joined Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA), a community-based organization focused on empowering women in pastoralist communities.
Through NARWOA’s training, Irwata gained skills in public speaking and confidence building, political campaigning and community mobilization and understanding governance and advocating for women’s rights.
“Before the training, I never thought I could stand in front of people and speak,” she said. “Now I speak for women, youth, and the marginalized.”
Her involvement with NARWOA led to her election as a Women’s League Representative, where she spent two years advocating for political inclusion, financial independence, and better opportunities for women.
Irwata’s campaign was rooted in her close ties with the community. She frequently visited villages, held dialogues with women, and promoted Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to help women gain financial stability.
“I started small talking to women about their rights and encouraging them to believe in themselves,” Irwata recalls.
By the time she declared her intention to contest, Irwata had already built a wide support base across women, youth, and marginalized communities who identified with her story.
“I knew the journey would be tough,” she said. “But I also knew that if I won, I’d be winning for every woman who has been told she can’t lead.”
Jessica Ruth Ataa, Executive Director of NARWOA, called Irwata’s win a breakthrough for women’s representation in Kotido.
“Leadership isn’t about formal education—it’s about vision and resilience,” Ataa said. “Irwata’s story will inspire many more women to challenge the status quo.”
Ataa emphasized that while NARWOA has trained hundreds of women across the district, Irwata’s victory signals a new era in inclusive governance.
Leading with Purpose
As NRM Vice Chairperson, Irwata’s top priorities include; encouraging women to join SACCOs and achieve economic independence, advocating for equal participation of women in decision-making structures and ensuring government programs reach grassroots communities.
“I don’t want to be the only woman in leadership,” Irwata said. “I want others to see themselves as leaders, decision-makers, and influencers.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Irwata’s story is already inspiring others. Women across Kotido are stepping into local governance, joining savings groups, and entering leadership training programs.
“She showed us that we don’t have to be silent,” said Anna Lokiru, a small-business owner who joined a women’s group after hearing Irwata speak.
“I used to think politics was only for men,” added Rose Nakiru, a mother of four. “But seeing Irwata win changed my perspective.”
Irwata’s victory is more than a political milestone it is a symbol of resilience, community-driven leadership, and a revolution in women’s empowerment. Without formal education, she has emerged as a transformative leader, driven by vision, courage, and the will to uplift others.
“I want women to know that no matter where they come from, they have the power to lead,” she said. “It’s time for more women to step forward, challenge expectations, and make their voices heard.”
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