Beatrice Atieno Williams, the founder of Maisha Project and a resident of Oklahoma, expressed her satisfaction after casting her vote for Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. In an interview with The Kenyan Tabloid, Atieno voiced her admiration for Harris’s policies, particularly her stance on women’s rights and healthcare—a stance she feels aligns deeply with her own beliefs.
Backing Women’s Rights and Reproductive Autonomy
Speaking over the phone, Atieno emphasized her support for Harris’s position on abortion rights, expressing her conviction that women should have control over their bodies, free from government intervention.
“I strongly agree with Kamala’s policy on abortion. I believe firmly that women should have the autonomy to make decisions about their bodies without governmental interference,” Atieno stated.
Advocating for Robust Healthcare
Atieno, whose philanthropic work with Maisha Project spans both the U.S. and Kenya, stressed that Harris’s commitment to healthcare protection is another major factor influencing her vote. Drawing a comparison to healthcare struggles in Kenya, she shared the story of her mother, who was unable to use her National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) coverage for a knee replacement surgery, ultimately paying out of pocket for essential medical care.
“Protecting healthcare in this country is crucial to me, especially after seeing the challenges in my motherland. When the healthcare system fails, it is the impoverished citizens who suffer the most, relying heavily on support services,” Atieno explained. “My mother’s NHIF coverage was rejected, leaving us to pay cash for her treatment. Ensuring access to reliable healthcare is something I’m passionate about supporting, both here and abroad.”
Confidence in the Voting Process and Appeal to Voters
Atieno commended the integrity of the voting process in the U.S., describing it as “smooth and transparent” and urging other Americans to exercise their voting rights to foster real change.
“I believe every vote matters. I encourage everyone eligible to vote to make their voice heard. This is how we bring about real change,” she urged.
Historic Stakes in the Election
With the world closely following this historic U.S. election, the race has garnered immense attention as Kamala Harris, currently the Vice President, vies for the role of President against former President Donald Trump. If Harris wins, she would make history as the first female President of the United States, while a victory for Trump would see him return to the White House despite facing legal battles.
