Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has, despite his flaws, set a good precedent by empowering people with disability, former Senator Emma Mbura has said.
Mbura, who is Joho's political rival, said the governor has done well to employ at least five people with disability in his executive office.
"I am happy with that. That is one big thing he has done and other governors should copy this," Mbura said on Friday.
Joho has employed Esther Ingolo, Richard Chacha, and at least three other people living with disability in the executive.
Mbura said persons with disability, especially women, at the Coast are looked down upon.
"No matter your level of education, among the Coastal communities, when you are a woman who is disabled, you will find it hard to earn the respect you deserve."
The Coast Women Power founder and patron told the Star in an interview that governors should give women more opportunities to shine.
She said girls have always been as sharp as or even sharper than boys, only that they had not been given the opportunity.
"But now we are starting to see the abilities of the girl child if given the opportunity," Mbura said.
She cited the case of Goldalyne Kakuya who topped in KCPE while Naomi Kawira crowned the KCSE charts in the 2017 exams.
Mbura said this is just an example of what more females can achieve if given the chance.
She said Kenya will be a better place with women at the helm.
"A woman always thinks about others first. If they are given a chance to lead, then Kenya will be a better place," she said.