Fearing two thirds gender rule will not pass, Laboso advises plan B

Jubilee nominee for the Bomet governor's seat Joyce Laboso speaks to journalists in her office in Parlaiment. /HEZRON NJOROGE
Jubilee nominee for the Bomet governor's seat Joyce Laboso speaks to journalists in her office in Parlaiment. /HEZRON NJOROGE

Joyce Laboso is fearful that Parliament may decline to pass the two thirds gender bill when it reconvenes on Tuesday.

The National Assembly Deputy Speaker and aspiring Bomet Governor has asked partners and leaders to start looking for "plan B".

Laboso said topics on women are a "no-go zone" in Parliament and that threats and court rulings are matter.

"We know how the House is run. We have less hope about the bill but are hopeful that new mechanisms will push our male counterparts to implement it," she said.

She spoke on Monday during the launch of the national strategy for supporting greater participation of women in elective posts

Regarding nominations for the general election, Laboso noted the experience was "grueling" and may be worse come August 8.

"We won't be able to address rallies. Others will attempt to undress us and hire goons just to harass us. We sincerely need your support," she said, terming violence the key inhibitor for female politicians.

The Deputy Speaker also said the media does not give women sufficient coverage. She said her competitor, incumbent Governor Isaac Rutto, was the point of focus at a recent rally in the county.

Laboso won the Jubilee ticket while Rutto, who is Chama Cha Mashinani leader, joined the National Super Alliance as the fifth principal.

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In her call for support, Laboso noted the election of women will change the image of the Council of Governors.

Labour Party of Kenya founder Julia Ojiambo asked candidates to avoid practices that could lead to violence during the election.

Cecily Mbarire, who is Runyenjes MP, said electoral laws should give the IEBC the sole manadate over primaries.

Mbarire urged women to support those in politics and in the private sector.

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Main sponsor European Union said it will support Kenyan women's efforts to ensure they play their roles fully in Parliament and

across all levels of government.

Stefano-Antonio Dejak,

EU Ambassador to Kenya,

said a country can only achieve development if women take their positions.

He said they do not do so as systems intimidate them and advised that the matter of the two thirds gender rule be addressed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta urged MPs to turn up in large numbers to vote for a Bill on the two-thirds gender rule.

He asked National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale

to ensure the rule is passed and implemented when Parliament resumes from recess.

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