Do you support the 2/3 gender bill?
The bill fronted by majority Leader Aden Duale is set for debate today with the bill already causing a rift between the members of Parliament. Some MPs are lobbying for support even as others insist that there are other more pressing issues.
MPs led by Nandi Hills MP have insisted that Kenyans want more important issues such as the maize scandal solved before they can be engaged in the 2/3 gender bill debate.
“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 lamented.
His sentiments come just two days after Raila Odinga, Ruto and President Kenyatta asked the MPs to Pass the bill so that the country conforms to the requirements on the new constitution.
Ruto has also revealed that a number of MPs have already bought the idea and are in fact pushing for the passage of the bill.
“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 Mr Ruto.
Ruto said it is time that the leadership of the House avoid politicising the issue adding that: “Our women who form 50 percent of our country’s population deserve an opportunity to be enjoined in the leadership of our great nation.”
The former PM Raila Odinga has urged Members of Parliament to support the two thirds gender rule Bill.
The Bill will come before the House for the second time after it was shot down the first time in a well-calculated move where male MPs embargoed the vote thereby denying the obligatory numbers to have it pass.
“Raila Odinga urges all members of parliament to stand up for the Constitution and for women by voting for the Bill when it comes up this week,” reads the statement sent by the former premier’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango.
“Mr. Odinga urges Parliament to take into consideration Kenya’s poor showing on gender parity which goes against not only regional but also global trends, with negative implications for the country’s economic, political and social progress.”
According to Odinga, the two thirds gender rule Bill aims at spearheading the country towards realizing equality as well as freedom from discrimination for women.
Raila’s declaration comes just a day after President Kenyatta called on members of Parliament to consider passing the two-thirds gender rule to ensure the country heeds to constitutional demands.
Speaking during the unveiling of Gachororo PCEA Church in Juja on Sunday, President Kenyatta also challenged women to wake up from their comfort zones and fight for their space against men.
“Don’t wait for nominations, wake up and compete with men because Kenya is yours, you are populous and I want to help you to settle leadership positions before the end of my tenure. You have been born leaders but men have been inflicting fears in you,” he said.