The Lamu county security department has started the creation of a database for all female political aspirants in Lamu to protect them ahead of the 2022 elections.
The plan includes mapping out political hotspot areas and ensuring the female aspirants are protected during political campaigns in these areas.
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i instructed all county commissioners and grassroots administrators to prioritise the security of the women political candidates.
Speaking on Friday, Lamu county commissioner Irungu Macharia assured all female aspirants in Lamu of protection before, during and after the elections.
He encouraged women interested in politics to vie for any positions without fear.
The commissioner said the move provides the female aspirants with the confidence to undertake their political campaigns without any fear of intimidation or violence from their male counterparts.
“We are providing a level playing field for all by ensuring the female aspirants are guarded to avoid cases of intimidation or attacks. They have nothing to fear as they pursue various political slots,” he said.
Macharia said the move will ensure female aspirants either win or lose fairly.
“We don’t want someone saying they lost because they weren’t protected or they were intimidated or attacked. It must be free and fair for all,” he said.
He said police in Lamu had mapped out political hotspots including Mkomani in Lamu Island then Mbwajumwali, Tchundwa, Faza, Kizingitini in Lamu East among others.
Macharia said security teams were closely monitoring such areas to ensure there is peace during and after the elections.
He warned politicians against divisive and hate politics saying his office will not treat such individuals lightly.
“We are keeping close tabs on these areas as they are likely to experience poll chaos. We are however ready to ensure peace and calm prevails,” Macharia said.
Women in Lamu have for years shied away from vying for bigger political positions due to a largely chauvinistic society that’s propelled by religious and cultural beliefs that frown upon women in politics.
It has taken the current female politicians guts to compete with their male counterparts.
Currently, Lamu woman rep Ruweida Obbo is running for the Lamu East MP seat currently held by Athman Shariff of UDA.
Umra Omar of UDA is the first and only woman who is vying for governor.
Initially, it had been tough for female aspirants to effectively cover all areas of Lamu during campaigns especially in areas considered to be the stronghold of their male opponents.
The new arrangement will however make this possible as they will be protected.
“Some of our male counterparts have incited supporters in their areas to heckle or attack us whenever we want to campaign but with this new arrangement, we can reach out to the voters peacefully and safely,” Dama Luwali who is vying for Lamu woman rep said.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
