Nomination of women to House opposed
Members of parliament Peris Simam and Millie Odhiambo Mabona attending the gender parity consensus building forum at Flamingo beach hotel on constitution amendment in this picture taken on 7 september 2012. Photo/LABAN WALLOGA
What you need to know:
- The MPs suggested that women be subjected to a competitive electoral process to get to Parliament instead of “getting seats on a silver platter”.
MPs on Friday opposed the direct nomination of women to Parliament, saying the process could be abused by political party leaders.
The lawmakers said party leaders were likely to pick their friends and allies.
They spoke at a forum in Mombasa to discuss a proposed law to fulfil gender parity in elective posts as demanded by the Constitution.
Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo said many women were nominated to Parliament through the influence of party leaders rather than on the basis of their ability to articulate and contribute to national issues.
Running mates
The MPs suggested that women be subjected to a competitive electoral process to get to Parliament instead of “getting seats on a silver platter”.
Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo suggested that women contesting seats in the 47 counties do so with running mates. The proposal, if adopted, would see county seats rise to 94 and reduce the number direct nominations.
“We want women to have a right to elect women instead of political parties, which are largely led by men. We want to protect Parliament so that those who get there do so through an electoral process,” he said.
However, some participants, particularly women MPs, proposed that women be encouraged to vie at constituency level instead of appearing to confine them only to counties.
