Mokaya dominates as FIDA charity golf day drives support for women’s justice

City advocate of Attorney General’s office Lydia Mokaya delivered a composed performance on the greens to claim the Lady Winner title as the charity golf day organised by Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) raised support for women’s access to justice initiatives.

Playing at Royal Nairobi Golf Club on Friday, Mokaya carded 37 points to top the ladies’ category in a tournament that attracted more than 200 golfers drawn from the legal fraternity, corporate institutions and friends of the organisation.

The event blended sport, networking and fundraising as FIDA-Kenya continues to mobilise resources to support legal aid, mediation services and empowerment programmes for women across the country.

Mokaya, a lawyer in the Attorney General’s office, said the victory carried a deeper meaning beyond the fairways.

“It was a good win and it feels really good. The course was worth it and we did it for a good cause,” said Mokaya.

Overall honours went to Machaia Mukiri, who posted 38 points to top the leaderboard, matching the men’s winner Eric Makori who also returned 38 points, while Mokaya’s 37 points sealed the ladies’ category title.

David Mberiah and Priscilla Waithaka finished as the men’s and ladies’ runners-up respectively after each returned 36 points.

Kenneth Kibathi completed the men’s podium with 36 points while Liz Gitobu finished third among the ladies with 35 points.

Masha Baraza and Ruth Foulser placed fourth in the men’s and ladies’ divisions respectively.

Norah Wakiaga claimed the Division Four title with an impressive 39 points while Nancy Karanu was named the best FIDA member with 32 points.

Susan Kanyi emerged the caddy winner with 36 points and also took the longest drive prize among the ladies, while Harrison Kariuki claimed the men’s equivalent.

Jermy Ngunze and Neddie Akello won the nearest-to-pin awards in the men’s and ladies’ categories respectively, while A. Kweya walked away with the best effort prize.

According to FIDA communications officer Mark Owuor, the golf day forms part of the organisation’s broader strategy to sustain its programmes as demand for legal support services continues to rise.

“The goal overall is to have three pillars whereby one is legal aid, the second is a mediation centre and the third is assisting women with virtual courses so they can access justice more easily,” said Owuor.

“We used to rely heavily on donors but we cannot depend on that alone. We have to develop more mechanisms of raising funds. Donors continue supporting us but the problems keep increasing.”

Owuor added that the organisation, which has existed for over four decades, continues to rely on partnerships with corporates and individual supporters.

“Friends of FIDA who are corporates also support us and we have to keep pushing until we achieve all our objectives. Golf is one of the platforms helping us do that,” he said.

City lawyer Mwangi Githinji noted that the event’s significance extends beyond fundraising.

“This event impacts both genders in different ways. Through a golfing tournament like this, networking happens while at the same time charity goals are achieved,” said Githinji.

Amateur golfer Wayua Mululu, an IT expert affiliated with Karen Country Club, said the tournament resonated with her on a personal level.

“My mother got me right around the time FIDA started in Kenya so I have always been passionate about standing up for women’s rights the way FIDA advocates,” said Mululu.

“My golf today was not the very best because I spent a lot of time in the rough, but I will push next time.”

Mululu added that her mother, Anastacia Mululu, previously served on the FIDA board and inspired her to remain involved in the cause.

“When women in society are not taken care of, society does not function well. Events like this also give lawyers an opportunity to network while supporting an important cause,” she said.

Meanwhile, Law Society of Kenya president Charles Kanjama revealed that the legal fraternity is also strengthening safeguards for young female advocates.

He said the society is preparing to review policies addressing sexual harassment within the legal profession.

“We are looking at reviewing policies dealing with sexual harassment especially for young women at the Bar so that the profession remains safe and supportive for everyone,” said Kanjama.