The debate to up hoist women in positions of power have been gaining momentum for quite a while right now. The country is determined to attain the 2/3 gender bill. But some MPs are pushing hard for it fail.
Some MPs claim that they cannot spoon feed women politicians. They say passing the Bill will allow Slay queens to be brought into the Houses and even MPs capitalize on that to bring in their girlfriends.
Others have described it the epitome of laziness in complying with the constitutional requirement. But the women lobby has put up a spirited fight in defense of the bill.
The top bras have felt something fishy.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM Leader Raila Odinga have summoned their MPs to urgent meetings next week to rally support for the ‘Gender Bill’.
Jubilee and ODM are the two biggest parties in the House and their support is crucial to the bill sailing through. Jubilee has 140 MPs followed by ODM with 62.
Debate on the bill started on Tuesday but many MPs have kept off while some have openly said they will not pass it despite direction from their party leaders.
The bill is se to be put to vote on Wednesday next week. It requires a two-thirds majority or 233 of the 349 MPs in the National Assembly to amend Article 97 of the Constitution and pave way for additional nomination slots for women other than the current 12.
Jubilee and ODM have called Parliamentary Group meetings on Tuesday to try and whip their MPs to attend Wednesday’s sitting and approve the proposed amendment which will see another 21 women nominated to Parliament.
The Bill requires the support of 233 MPs (two thirds of all the members) to pass. If it sails through and the President assents to it, it will be effective after the 2022 General Election.
Yesterday, Raila observed that Parliament has continuously violated the rights of women by denying them more seats.
“The bill is meant to help the country realize the right to equality and freedom from discrimination for women as stipulated in the 2010 Constitution,” Raila said.
Co-principals Musyoka and Mudavadi said the bill’s benefits outweigh the costs.
“If passed into law, the bill will streamline the activities of not only women but all Kenyans in national politics and policy making,” Musalia said.
Kalonzo said Parliament risks being dissolved because it is not properly constituted as required by the two-thirds gender rule.
“I’m aware some of your male colleagues have in the past frustrated the passing of the bill through outright refusal to support it or by simply walking out during voting so as to deprive the House of the requisite numbers required for it to pass,” Kalonzo observed.
Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association chairlady Wangui Ngirici yesterday told the Star that President Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto will hold a meeting with the Jubilee Parliamentary Group.
She expressed optimism that the quorum will be achieved.
“I am aware that leaders of political parties have committed to hold Parliamentary Group meetings where members will be whipped over this matter. I can assure you that we will achieve the quorum on that day. I can feel it,” the Kirinyaga Woman Representative said.
“The President of Kenya took an oath to protect this Constitution and he will certainly do that on this particular matter,” she added.
Do you think the benefit outweighs the costs of passing the 2/3 gender bill?