Poghisio: Women leaders deserve respect, not to be paraded for entertainment
By Mustafa Juma, July 29, 2025Former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio has strongly criticised the recent trend of parading women leaders at political rallies, calling it demeaning and a setback to the progress of women in leadership.
His remarks were a direct response to incidents during Kenya Kwanza’s recent economic empowerment events, where a section of women leaders were seen dancing for crowds—acts reportedly orchestrated by President Ruto’s powerful aide, Farouk Kibet.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, July 28, 2025, Poghisio expressed concern over how women in politics are being used for a spectacle rather than respected for their ideas, capabilities, and leadership roles.
“Ladies, if you can, you are leaders. We respect you. You are capable of transporting yourselves to these places, and you are capable of donating your little amount of money and keeping your character,” Poghisio said.
Treatment of women leaders
He challenged the political establishment to treat women leaders as serious contributors to the nation’s progress rather than tools for amusement.
“Let’s give a chance for people to believe that a woman in leadership is a leader—she is not a model for you,” Poghisio added.
“She can become president, deputy president, and anything she wants to become.”
The remarks come at a time when the role of women in Kenyan politics is under scrutiny, with critics pointing out the symbolic use of female leaders at public functions rather than giving them platforms to contribute substantively.
Millie Odhiambo’s viral video
A viral video of Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo dancing after being introduced by Farouk Kibet ignited widespread backlash two days ago, with many Kenyans accusing Kibet of demeaning women in politics.
In the footage, Kibet presents Odhiambo to an excited crowd at a public event. As she takes the stage, the lawmaker breaks into an animated dance, prompting loud cheers.
What appeared to be a light-hearted moment instead stirred a national conversation about the treatment of female leaders in Kenya.
Social media users and political commentators condemned the incident as emblematic of a broader issue, turning female politicians into spectacles rather than acknowledging them as serious public servants.
Citizens online pointed to the moment as a continuation of a troubling trend, accusing those involved of reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining the strides made by women in political spaces.