I live in Nairobi with my mum and maternal grandmum. I was named after her. But I like going to the coast to be with my paternal grandmum. She is fun to be with and likes taking me with her everywhere she goes. I love my aunts too, and they  care about me too. My cousins always show me around, and Mombasa is more fun than Nairobi.

 

According to custom, the sisters of my father are supposed to look after me and ensure that I follow the straight and narrow. This is the case whether my parents are married or not. My mum met my dad when she was only 15 and had a child by 16. So when I decided to take part in the beauty contest, it was one of my aunts, Alice, who sponsored me and paid for everything, including my make-up.

 

The Lipuka Family is related to many prominent families. Auntie Alice belongs to the Ramtu Family in Coast Province. Her father was the first from the Digo tribe to go to university and her mother, Naomi, my father's auntie, was the first local female teacher in Coast Province. She has twice tried contesting a Parliamentary seat without success. She just went in at the wrong time.

 

I am told I am a princess. My dad has only mentioned this to me once. He does not seem really interested or keen. Both my grandmums are politicians and they are most active during elections.