Reports Leo Odera Omolo
Powerful group of women leaders and MPs vowed at the weekend to fight any attempt by the cabinet and their male colleagues in parliament to alter a clause entrenched in the new constitution that gives them one third of the total parliamentary seats to the bitter ends.
The women MPs and the lobby groups said they will fight to retain the status quo as entrenched in the new Republican constitution.
The women who include Mrs Ida Odinga, the wife of the Prime Miister Raila Odinga, Rachel Shebesh {Nominated} Dr Joyce Laboso {Sotik},Beatrice Kones {Bomet},Monica Amolo the ODSM regional organizer in Nyanza, Millie Odhiambo {Nominated} said the gains made so far by women should not be reversed.
Addressing thousands of mourners at Kolo village, Waware sub-location Rusinga East, Mbita district within Homa-Bay County during the tearful send off of the late Mrs Damaris Odhiambo, a retired former social workers with he defunct County Council of Southern Nyanza. The deceased was he mother of Millie Odhiambo the ODM nominated MP. the group said they will consider the second proposal by the cabinet on the formula to attain the one third seats in the National Assembly, but will not agree to it if contravene the clause in the new constitution which gave the woman the right to have one third of the total parliamentary seats.
They said they wants special seats designed for the women, apart the competitive seats that will see them battle with the men t the ballot boxes.
“The new constitution is the best thing that has ever happened to the Kenyan women and we are prepared to take head on even our own MPs from ODM on this issue. The constitution must be followed to the letter,” said Millie Odhiambo.
Dr Laboso said she beg to differ her men parliamentary colleagues over the issue, adding “We are not prepared to relinquish our gains and go back to the old dark days,said Dr. laboso.
Mrs Monica Amoko gave an electrifying address that move the crowd onto their feet when she asked the MPs to take a note the requirement to amend the new constitution, but if they want to have it changed they must call for a fresh referendum to amend the clause thy feels favors women.
Shebesh declared a war in parliament to safeguard the women’s gains in the new constitution saying they will not relent to the pressure.
At the same time she promised a protracted battle in Parliament to ensure the women safeguard their gains in the new constitution.
Ends
The problem is getting the formula of reserving these seats because either ways, the constitution stands a risk of violation since all citizens are allowed to contest the elective posts freely and equally.
The advocates of this flawed constitutional requirement knows very well will that such a requirement will obviously infringe on others constitutional rights. The problem is that those advocating for this constitutional illegality are women who should know better. I think, we have to be honest without appearing to support something we know will create a lot of serious ramifications in many constituencies. The question one must ask: why would women want to be invited to lead? The political playing field has never been level for anyone, including men. I am one of those people who has been disadvantaged just like those women out there. Should we, therefore, seek that our rights be entrenched in the constitution? What kind of constitution are we trying to bequeath to the next generation? Our constitution must tress EQUALITY for all. The shame way get equal treatment in schools and in our churches. I believe in equal representation and equal treatment of people in a society. I have supported women and criticized any discrimination on the basis of gender. However, when it come to leadership (specifically elective positions!), everyone must present him/her(self) to the same rigors of electoral process. I think women can add there numbers in parliament by either seeking party positions or forming other political parties that would give them a voice. Leadership is a call – not a invitation!