When violence erupted during the Linda Mwananchi political tour in Homa Bay County two weeks ago, Bijuma N'kale, popularly known as Najma, says she thought her political journey might end there.
Instead, she says the incident has strengthened her resolve to remain in politics.
Najma, a former nominated member of the Kwale County Assembly, was among people who say they were injured after the political tour was disrupted by groups of youths.
The tour was intended to popularise the movement's views on governance, economic challenges and electoral reforms.
The Linda Mwananchi team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, had been holding meetings in the county when the programme was disrupted. Participants said stones and other projectiles were thrown at the group, prompting some of the leaders and supporters to leave the area.
Najma says the incident happened at about 6:30pm as they approached Homa Bay town.
“Our vehicle rolled over as we were speeding away from the youth who were pelting us with stones,” she says.
She says people then approached the occupants of the vehicle and that she was struck on her waist and head.
“We were beaten and our belongings were taken. I was hit on the waist and my head with some huge stones. My left leg cannot move due to the attack on my waist, and I was left with a severe head wound too,” she says.
Najma also says one of the people at the scene raised a panga towards her before a woman intervened.
“I saw one of the attackers raising a panga to kill me. I couldn’t defend myself, but I heard a woman screaming and pleading with them not to kill me,” she says.
According to Najma, the same man later helped her and called for an ambulance. She says she was taken to hospital and discharged two days later.
The experience, she says, has not made her reconsider her political ambitions.
Najma has declared her intention to contest the Kwale Woman Representative seat, saying she is focusing on economic empowerment, women's participation in leadership and peaceful political competition.
“We are all alive to the fact that politics to bring change is not always easy. There are a lot of problems, but we are determined to bring that change,” she says.
She says the experience in Homa Bay has reinforced her view that women should be able to participate in politics without fear of violence.
“Women should not have to fear violence because they choose to participate in politics. That day showed how vulnerable women leaders can be during political campaigns,” she says.
Najma says members of the Linda Mwananchi team also supported one another after the incident and checked on those who had been injured.
She says her campaign will emphasise political tolerance and peaceful elections, alongside women's economic empowerment.
“I have planned well and I am ready for the battle,” she says, adding that she has been monitoring the political landscape and consulting voters about issues affecting them.
Najma joins a field of aspirants seeking the Kwale Woman Representative position that includes incumbent Fatuma Masito, Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Mariam Bindo, Bibi Masha and Zainab Chitsangi.
She says her previous experience as a nominated MCA gave her an understanding of county governance and grassroots mobilisation.
Najma says she has been consulting women's groups, youth organisations, traders and community leaders across Kwale as she prepares for the contest.
Her proposed agenda includes vocational skills training, support for women entrepreneurs and efforts to connect young people with employment and business opportunities.
“I want to teach people how to fish instead of giving them fish. Empowerment means that if I help you today, tomorrow, you should be able to fuel my car when we meet on the road,” she says.
She says many women in Kwale have the potential to run businesses but face challenges including limited access to capital, mentorship and markets.
On political violence, Najma says leaders should discourage the use of youths to disrupt political meetings and allow voters to hear competing political messages.
She says political campaigns should focus on policies and ideas rather than intimidation.
