MP chides Muturi, Duale over gender rule

Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi has lashed out at the National Assembly Speaker and the majority leader, accusing them of frustrating the attainment of the one-third gender rule in parliamentary committees.

Ms Murugi made the remarks after a debate on Wednesday that saw Parliament approve the list of new members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Out of the 29 members, only three are women and that does not meet the minimum threshold for gender representation required by the Constitution.

Ms Murugi faulted what she called the dictatorial attitude of the Speaker, Mr Justin Muturi.

“When I rose to protest and point out this oversight, he did not give me an opportunity to speak until the matter had already been voted on. By which time it was too late,” she said.

Ms Murugi had risen to protest the substitution of the former vice-chairwoman, Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire, with Kieni MP Kanini Kega to the powerful watchdog committee.

She argued that Mrs Mbarire should have been replaced by a woman in the PAC, adding that there are more women in the Energy Committee, to which she has been moved.

She blames Mr Aden Duale, the majority leader, for nominating a man and said that it was indeed a sad day for women in the country and that the one-third rule is now a joke.

The legislator called on women to vote for women leaders if they are to get their voices heard.

“Women need to vote in women leaders because we cannot trust our legislators to have the goodwill to implement affirmative action Bills. It is apparent that our leaders are holding this rule in ridicule. The only way we can get our voices heard is if we earn our rightful place in the house.”