Kenya Kwanza women leaders ask IEBC to stop applying double standards on candidates
Kenya Kwanza women leaders have asked the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to stop applying double standards on degree qualifications for candidates vying for various electoral positions in the forthcoming elections.
Led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, the women said that all the candidates should be accorded the same treatment when it comes to being cleared to vie for various seats. They accused the state of scheming to have UDA candidates blocked from contesting in the August 9th polls. They also claimed that there were plans to lock out some candidates from having agents in the polling stations during the elections. Governor Waiguru said that even in the counties there are candidates with suspicious academic credentials who ought not to be on the ballot. “We need leaders who can articulate matters of the county in a professional manner”. She said.
The forum that was hosted by Waiguru in Sagana on Tuesday was attended by among others Kandara and Kajiado Central Members of Parliament Alice Wahome and Peris Tobiko respectively, Uasin Gishu County Woman Representative Gladys Boss Sholei, Narok County Woman Representative Soipan Tuya, Tharaka Nithi County’s Beatrice Nkatha and Elgeyo-Marakwet Woman Representative, Jane Chebaibai. “Let someone tell me where Azimio presidential candidate went to university because I can assure you that he has no degree from neither Kenya nor abroad”, said MP Alice Wahome.
At the same time, the women leaders drummed up support for Governor Waiguru saying she deserves another term to complete the job she is doing in Kirinyaga. They said that her development record goes back to the time she served in the National Government where she initiated many programs which up to date have benefited women and Kenyans at large. They noted that her development projects in the county were visible to all. “It is because of Anne Waiguru that the Woman Representative kitty- National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)- was enhanced to enable women get better services”, said Tharaka Nithi woman representative, Beatrice Nkatha.
On the Kenya Kwanza Women Charter that was launched by Deputy President and UDA Presidential candidate William Ruto, Waiguru said that it not only promises 50% cabinet slots for women but it also outlines how various women empowerment programs for women will be implemented. Waiguru assured Ruto that Kirinyaga County is solidly behind him and the electorate will turn out in large numbers to vote for him. The same pledges were made by various Kirinyaga women who represented their constituencies.
Gladys Sholei said that the Kenya Kwanza Women Charter is a binding agreement that the deputy president has pledged to implement failure to which the women will not re-elect him in 2027. “This charter promises to actualize opportunities for women in business through Hustlers Fund that will provide interest free loans to women. It also addresses issues in health, agriculture and education.” Said Sholei.
