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How rejection and a Sh0 bank balance shaped Dorcus Anupi's political destiny

Dorcus Anupi at her home in Luanda, Vihiga County on November 28, 2024.

Photo credit: Moraa Obiria I Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Dorcus Anupi, a teacher-turned-entrepreneur from Vihiga, overcame political displacement and campaign losses to build successful timber and furniture businesses.
  • Despite exhausting her resources in a failed MCA bid, she rebounded to become a county gender liaison officer while mentoring other women leaders.
  • Now she's positioning herself to become Vihiga's first female governor by 2032, drawing inspiration from Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.

Dorcus Anupi has never been one to shy away from standing out in a crowd. Born to a mother who was a senior chief and a father who was a dedicated teacher in Emuhaya, Vihiga, both parents instilled a profound appreciation for education deep within her. 

The young Dorcus went to school to become an early childhood development and education teacher. However, beneath the surface, another ambition was brewing—a passionate desire to become a successful entrepreneur and influential politician. With determined focus, she embarked on this dual path, diligently leading both the Kenya Youth Assembly and the Youth Bunge from 2004 to 2006. 

In 2006, with her sights set on even higher aspirations, Dorcus joined the Orange Democratic Movement, shortly after its inception. She quickly established herself as a youth leader, assigned to the far-off Naivasha in Nakuru County, a daunting distance of at least 315 kilometres from her birthplace. However, the political climate was fraught with tension, culminating in violent chaos that displaced 300,000 individuals. 

“I was among the displaced people,” she recalls, her voice tinged with anguish. “I had to return home.”

Yet, these unfortunate events failed to extinguish her fervour. Her passion remained vibrant, fuelling her every endeavour. The moment she heard that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was forming the now-defunct United Democratic Forum Party (UDF) in 2012, her heart raced with excitement. 

Embracing this opportunity, she became a founding member of the party and soon ran for leadership in the branch elections, securing the position of chairperson for Emuhaya sub-county. This role blossomed into her ticket into the Vihiga County Assembly, where she was nominated in 2013 as part of the gender top-up.

Dorcus Anupi at her timber yard and furniture workshop in Luanda, Vihiga County on November 28, 2024.

Photo credit: Moraa Obiria I Nation Media Group

By the time her term in the county legislature concluded in 2017, the UDF had folded, and Mr Musalia established a new party, the Amani National Congress (ANC), to which she promptly transferred her allegiance. ANC has since merged with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance Party to form the United Democratic Alliance Party.

“I had participated in the party's campaigns and understood what it took,” she asserts with conviction.  “I was ready for an elective position and wanted to pave the way for other women to join the assembly and contribute to the development of our county.”

Undeterred, she climbed the steep hill of political ambition, contesting the Mwibona Member of the County Assembly (MCA) position on an ANC ticket. “I’m married here, and the people voted for me. My critics would claim I wouldn’t secure a single vote in my marital home, but I had faith and confidence in myself. I even competed against my own brother-in-law and came in third after him; the incumbent MCA took first place,” she reflects, a distant look in her eyes.

This setback, however, came at a high price. Her husband had taken out a loan for her campaign, their children sorely missed her presence, and the sting of unmet promises from the followers who once praised her weighed heavily on her heart. “I was drained emotionally, physically, and psychologically. I had zero money as I had exhausted all my resources,” she recalls, a wave of remorse washing over her.

Fortunately, her husband and supportive family stood by her side. “My son was thrilled that I was finally home to give them the undivided attention they had yearned for. That touched me so deeply,” she shares. “During the hectic campaign days, I’d come home late after they were already asleep and leave before they woke up. And when I was home, I was often busy planning for the campaigns or hosting guests.”

With her entrepreneurial spirit reignited, she pivoted her focus back to business. With the help of her family, Dorcus launched a poultry farm, supplying chickens to local hotels and event organisers. However, the income was modest, compelling her to think outside the box. Her first business idea was inspired by her father, who owned a tree plantation: firewood trade. She ventured into the business with the first batch sourced from her father’s land. 

Today, Dorcus has evolved from her humble beginnings into a successful entrepreneur, expanding her operations to include a timber yard and furniture workshop. Meantime, her passion for politics continued to burn brightly. She held Vihiga's leadership accountable, an advocacy that caught the governor's attention, leading to her appointment as a county gender liaison officer in 2019. In this role, she engages with county administration to ensure adherence to gender mainstreaming policies. 

Dorcus Anupi at her timber yard in Luanda, Vihiga County, on November 28, 2024.

Photo credit: Moraa Obiria I Nation Media Group

“I created my own space within the county government's administration,” she states.

Yet, Dorcus refuses to rest on her laurels. In her sight is 2032, the year she declares she will be the “Gladys Wanga of Vihiga”. Her admiration for the Homa Bay governor is unmistakable. “She is my role model. Her poise and leadership style inspire me deeply. I’ve even changed my wardrobe to mirror hers. She motivates me to transform lives in our community and pursue the highest political goals,” she expresses.

Dorcus, however, challenges women to support one another. In her view, women should pursue a joint front on which they can traverse the country to campaign for one another. This tactic will be a near replica of what is applied in Rwanda. In this East African country, women aspirants seeking a seat in the same region go out together to campaign.

Her mantra is to trust oneself. As the sun sets on each day, she affirms, “Always strive to stand out.”

Dorcus Anupi has become a celebrated grassroots political champion, and with the support of UN Women and its partners, she is undergoing training and mentorship to ascend to higher elective offices while uplifting other women along the way.