•Sanaya said that two-thirds gender rule can only be achieved if more women contest on the August 9 general elections.
•She said that despite the many challenges women in such a contest, they have the capacity to challenge their male counterparts.
Kisii county Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Bathsheba Sanaya has urged women to turn up in large numbers to vie for elective posts.
Sanaya said the two-thirds gender rule can only be achieved if more women contest in the August 9 general elections.
She said that despite several challenges women, through such a contest, have the chance to challenge their male counterparts.
"Women have the capacity to challenge their male counterparts in the upcoming polls. They should not be underrated," Sanaya told the Star on phone.
Sanaya, who is also a nominated MCA in the Kisii County Assembly, urged political parties to consider women when giving nomination tickets.
"I am urging our political party leaders to consider other women when giving tickets. They should not give me priority," she added.
The chairperson said the country has strong women but their political ambitions are hindered by lack of finances.
"We have strong and capable women but they are unable to compete favourably because of lack of finances," she further said.
She urged well-wishers especially NGOs to give material support to women who have interest in politics.
Developed countries, Sanaya noted ,give women political space that is why some have been able to lead their countries in top positions.
Her nominated counterpart Josephine Ombati urged women to support their own when the time of elections come.
"I am urging my colleague women to support their own when the election period comes. We need to know that we have what it takes to lead," Ombati said.
Ombati added, her male counterparts should not see women as weak when it comes to politics saying a number of them have demonstrated that they are capable in various positions they have been appointed in government or NGOs.
Kisii Governance Watch secretary Rachael Otundo, who ditched UDA party citing frustrations, called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the polls.
Otundo urged her political opponents to stop mudslinging others and instead sell their policies and agendas to the electorate.
"We need to be smart in politics. We must stop assassinating others' character to gain political mileage," Otundo said.
"We should learn that respect is earned and not bought. The electorate are the ones who will judge us," she added.
(Edited by Francis Wadegu)