A section of women MPs has supported the call by Chief Justice David Maraga to dissolve Parliament over failure to pass the third-gender rule.
Shortly after the publication of the advisory calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve Parliament, the brigade of women leaders, who were in Maparasha Kajiado Central for a cultural event, threw their weight behind CJ Maraga’s decision.
Led by Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga, the women said other provisions in the Constitution were implemented within 10 years but the third-gender rule has been ignored and opposed by male lawmakers.
“For the last 10 years, women parliamentarians have been reduced to beggers persuading men to support women equality through the third-gender rule. Maraga is standing on the right side of law and as women, we will remember him. Even as we support the Building Bridges Initiative process, we hope and believe it will help finish the Constitution job and promote women equality,” said Wanga.
Former Nairobi Speaker Beatrice Elachi women are tired of being taken for a ride by those who do not believe in women equality.
“It is time for the rule of law touching on women to be respected. It is a big joke to assume rights and rules touching on women,” said Elachi.
The sentiments were echoed by Likoni MP Mishi Mboko and nominated Senator Rose Nyamunga.
However, Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko said women should endeavor to earn political seats instead of focusing more on getting the seats without competition.
“The CJ should appreciate that Parliament has been able to achieve a lot of other provisions and this can be achieved progressively. There are a lot of challenges and dynamics when it comes to women boldly coming out to vie for political seats and this should not be forced down their throats by being forced to what they are not after,” said Tobiko.
Instead of dissolving Parliament, the Kajiado East MP said that women’s equality should be attained progressively.
“Let’s allow more time and at the same time let women come out to contest and fight for political space,” said Tobiko
The women MPs were attending the ongoing Orgesher ceremony in Kajiado Central.
