By Selipher Musungu
Kakamega
As the popular adage, goes, “Great leaders are born, not made.” To some extent, the capacity for great leadership is innate. If education cannot lead you then you need to have passion, ability and wisdom to do so. Resilience, the ability to absorb hardship and bounce back are the traits that can be only compared to Joseph Oyolo a visionary leader.
Born in Khwisero, Kakamega County 42 years ago, Oyolo leadership traits and ability was experienced long time in various position he held right away from his childhood and even in school.
He schooled at Manyulia Primary school and Embakasi secondary for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) respectively.
Having been raised in hardship from her humble background, education seemingly being a hurdle in his quest to quench his thirst for education, Oyolo resorted to travel to Nairobi and hustle from there.
Through the hustle and bustle in the city, as they say he was born to lead. The 42 year old tried his ambition in politics from the capital city but failed. He believed that nothing is impossible for a man with a vision only impossible when not tried.
The son of a peasant farmer, without any title or name for recognition by the people but only the vision to change and lead was his only title. His dreams and ability to lead was evident when he was elected as Chairperson of Viwandani ward under the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Raila Odinga was the party leader.
While under the helm of Viwandani ward, Oyolo’s good leadership was evident and undisputed putting him on political scene as a young leader with the ability to lead and transform the life of people.
It is with this success that saw him being again elected as the vice chairman of Makadara constituency under Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. This was after the formation of the orange party in 2005.
After getting a wide experience and leadership skills in politics at the heat of politics in Nairobi, Oyolo decided to transfer his leadership skills back to his home county of Kakamega.
His success and ability to lead and bring change saw him being elected as an organizing secretary of ODM party in Lurambi constituency.
He continued to prove to people that he has all what it takes to be a great leader the people of Lurambi trusted him for the work he had done and elected him as the chairperson of ODM party Lurambi constituency.
To him his style of politics, vast experience and vision centered on the interests of people can only be compared to that of his mentor Mr. Raila.
“Am still a true member of ODM because before joining in any political party I have to critically analyze its agenda and manifesto. ODM is the party that stands for the interest and benefit of people that is why am still its active member,” said Oyolo.
Additionally he applauds Governor Wycliffe Oparanya for what his development record of accomplishment in the county.
“Kakamega needs a serious leader and a manager who is not a joker; we need a person who can put this county to next higher level. Oparanya has set the bar high and the next governor coming must up his game,” said Oyolo.
On Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) politics, Oyolo welcomes the initiative that he says it has many good things for the people of Kenya.
“Our people and county of Kakamega stands out to benefit a lot from BBI, we are going to get more constituency if the BBI sails through and that means more resources are going to trickle down for development and betterment of our peoples life and therefore we should endorse it,” said Oyolo.
Ends
