The music was loud, the ululations infectious and the dancing irresistible.

At Garden Park (GP) Hotel in Mumias, the women of Amarakita Lobby Group had every reason to celebrate.

For a group that has endured ridicule, criticism and sometimes harsh labels on social media, their Annual General Meeting was more than an ordinary political gathering. It was a moment to look back at their journey, celebrate their friendship and remind themselves that they had come a long way.

Dressed in their finest, the women sang, danced and embraced one another as they welcomed guests to the colourful AGM, united by their support for Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa.

But behind the political slogans is a story of women who say they have found confidence, friendship and a sense of purpose in Amarakita.

For CEO Aziza Waziri, the journey has not always been easy.

She recalled the early days of the group in 2021, when its members found themselves competing for political attention with a rival group that had youthful, fashionable women and models campaigning for another gubernatorial aspirant.

“We simply presented ourselves the way we were. Most of us were grown women, mothers and wives,” Aziza recalled.

And from that experience came the name Amarakita—a name that could easily have become a source of embarrassment but which the women eventually embraced as part of their identity.

Over the years, the name has stuck.

So has the criticism.

Aziza told the women that social media had not always been kind to them, with some people portraying them in ways they felt were unfair and demeaning.

But on this day, she wanted them to forget the insults and celebrate themselves.

“We have gone through humiliation on social media and a lot has been said about us. But I want each one of you to appreciate herself for being firm and believing in Governor Barasa,” she said.

Her words were met with applause.

For the women in the room, the applause appeared to say more than words could.

They had stayed.

They had remained together.

And they were proud of who they had become.

Amarakita has since developed a formal leadership structure, with a CEO, patron, chairperson, secretary and other officials. Its membership is spread across Kakamega County, with the group combining political mobilisation with members’ welfare and empowerment.

Patron Matthew Munupi said the group’s immediate political mission was to support Governor Barasa’s bid for another term.

He urged members not to lose sight of their objective, arguing that Barasa’s development record deserved their support.

“As people from where Governor Barasa comes from, we should not gamble with power,” Munupi said.

Kakamega Chief Officer for Youth and Sports Saxon Kweyu challenged the women to think beyond political mobilisation.

He urged them to establish more groups, bring them together under a Community-Based Organisation and explore business opportunities, loans and grants that could improve members’ livelihoods.

He also encouraged the women to think about leadership positions, including nomination opportunities in the county and National Assembly.

Chief Officer for Public Health Dr David Alila offered his support to the women, saying he had personally benefited from the opportunities created under Governor Barasa’s leadership.

“I have personally added value to myself because of Governor Barasa, and I promise to walk with you,” Dr Alila said.

He urged the women, particularly from the Wanga community, to rally behind the Governor.

Chief Guest Hon Bonface Okoth similarly called on the group to remain united and focused on its political ambitions.

The AGM also became a welfare moment as members and guests contributed towards strengthening the group’s kitty, which supports members in different ways.

Chairperson Caleb Mahero thanked the guests and members for turning up in large numbers and expressed appreciation to Governor Barasa and his administration for supporting the group.

He urged members not to relent.

“Do not let Governor Barasa down in 2027,” he told them.

Among those who attended were politician Ian Washika, Salim Olunga, former Chief Officer George Mukodo, educator Francis Obwamu, Bilal Musa, Okomba, Eddie Obwaka, Aziz Shikanda and other leaders.

But as the formal speeches ended and the women returned to dancing, singing and taking photographs, one thing stood out.

Amarakita may have started as a political lobby group, but for many of its members, it has become something more personal—a place where they belong, support one another and proudly wear their identity.

And on this particular afternoon in Mumias, there was little room for the insults of yesterday.

There was only laughter, music, sisterhood and a renewed determination to keep moving forward together.