While the two thirds gender Bill proposed by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale is expected to be tabled in Parliament today, a heated debate has emerged among the Members of Parliament who believe that there are more pressing matters to be discussed.
While some MPs are lobbying for support of the gender rule, others like Nandi Hills MP, Alfred Keter insist that there are other more pressing issues. According to Keter, Kenyans want those involved in the maize and fertiliser scandals persecuted and prices resolved.
“We want DP Ruto’s office investigated over the maize importation and brokers who were illegally paid instead of farmers. Stop telling us about 2022 politics and gender balance…..what balance? We are not balancing anything. Balance things to do with maize, fertiliser and roads first,” Keter said.
Keter’s sentiments come just two days after Deputy President William Ruto made public his support for the two thirds gender rule bill. The Deputy President expressed his delight in the MPs who were opposed to Bill but have now reconsidered their stand.
“I am happy that some MPs who have been difficult and opposed to the passage of the Bill including my friend Jimmy Angwenyi have now agreed to support it. I am optimistic that all will be well this time round,” said Ruto.
Ruto asked the leadership of the House to stop politicising the issue but persuaded the legislators to ensure that women take their rightful positions in leadership.
“Our women who form 50 percent of our country’s population deserve an opportunity to be enjoined in the leadership of our great nation.”
William Ruto also said that no man can survive without a woman, be it as a mother, a sister or a wife.
“Women are the most loyal, hardworking and trusted people,” he added.
With the Lawmakers expected to table the Bill today, Kisumu County Woman Rep Rosa Buyu, Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and his Mathare counterpart Anthony Oluoch have hinted to some adjustments likely to be made to the Bill. Although they did not go into details, Majority Leader Adan Duale is expected to present the changes to the House.
Mr. Oluoch however noted that although the Bill seeks to bring gender equality, it should also have a set limit of operation.
Women in the House have full support from President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
President Kenyatta on Sunday promised to give his full support to women in the next general election.
“You’re the one who voted me in massively and now that I won’t be seeking for your votes again, I will be helping you clinch elective positions in the country,’ Uhuru told Kenyan women.
He also encouraged women to vie for the seats against their male colleagues saying that, “This country is yours, step up and compete with men because you were born with leadership. It’s only that men have instilled you with fear.”
Do you think there is any hope for women as far as the two third gender rule is concerned?