Role Of Women In The Making Of Kenyan Political History: A Case Of Chelagat Mutai Among The Nandi, 1949-2013

Abstract

Studies have revealed that women have played a very important role in history. They have represented many other women who played crucial roles in transforming political history of both men and women in different societies. Some women have stood the test of time by championing for the rights of the people in Kenya. The purpose of this study therefore, was to examine the role of women in Kenyan political history; a case of Chelagat Mutai among the Nandi, 1949-2013. Three objectives addressed in this study were; to explore a general survey of some selected women in Kenya, to establish Chelagat’s early life and role in the University of Nairobi politics and its contribution to democratic change in the Kenyan political landscape, (1949 -1973) and to find out Chelagat’s life and times during President Kenyatta and Moi’s eras, (1973-2002). Subaltern and Great man theories guided this study. Chelagat Mutai was one of the great women in Kenya due to her bravery in political encounters. The study was carried out in Nandi County. Snowball and opportunistic sampling designs were used to collect data from twenty men and women who had knowledge about Chelagat Mutai through oral interviews. These people were identified through purposive sampling technique. Data was then collected orally and through information archiving by the use of sample questions and interview schedules administered across interviewees. Secondary sources were obtained from Moi University Library, Kisii University Library and Kenya National Archives. Data analysis was carried out by use of three analytical frames which included; theoretical reflection, documentary review analysis and content analysis. The study found out that women have played a role in politics in Kenya and that Chelagat’s role in the University of Nairobi politics contributed to democratic changes in the Kenyan political landscape and that Chelagat faced challenges during President Kenyatta and Moi’s eras. This study would be of great benefit to scholars, researchers, political activists and philosophers in Kenya and all over the world in trying to understand the woman’s position in society as far as politics is concerned. This study recommends that important heroes and heroines in societies, who made significant contributions differently, should have their history written and documented because they made history according to great man’s theory. Nandi county government in collaboration with the National Government should remember Chelagat Mutai by ensuring her social, political cum economic information is collected, written and documented in Kenya National Museums and Kenya National Archives for current and future generations to read. The government can also honour her directly or indirectly.