It has become a trend that in every election, women candidates are victimised, intimidated and even attacked by their male counterparts for fear of losing to them.
It has become so common to the extent that women are afraid to join electoral politics, not because they cannot sustain the process but because of the fear of losing their lives.
With the country's political temperature already high, new coalitions and alignments have already started forming and the country is in an election mood.
However, the politics of violence so much discouraged and condemned by the same politicians who preach water and drink wine, do not consider the security of their female candidates.
In April 2017, Mbita MP Millie Ojiambo was attacked and her bodyguard ran over by a car driven by a rival’s supporter during party primaries. The bodyguard died.
The same year in February, Eunice Wambui, an aspirant in Embakasi South parliamentary seat, was attacked while encouraging Kenyans to be registered as voters in Mukuru kwa Reuben slums in Nairobi.
Such ugly incidents should not be repeated in the August general election. With so many women presenting themselves for elective positions, their security and right to campaign should neither be infringed on nor tampered with by their male counterparts.
The Constitution gives any person the liberty not only to run for any elective seat as long as they meet the criteria by the electoral commission but also campaign anywhere in the country.
The politics of violence and attacking women to intimidate them to pull out of the race is uncalled for and outdated. Aspirants should compete and convince the electorate peacefully.
With harassment also in the parties, many women are excluded during nominations.
This is a bad culture that perceives the other gender as weak and only fit for nominations. Parties should also consider and implement equality and gender equity in their outfits.
With so many of them determined to take up leadership positions and getting inspiration from Tanzania President Samia Hassan, many women say they will not be deterred. The number of elected women in Parliament will increase in August.
The security agents should be vigilant and active to ensure female candidates are protected during the campaigns.
More women should be encouraged to come forward and break the silence on their own experience of violence, which may inspire others to do the same.
It is thus not a single responsibility, but a joint collective responsibly to have a peaceful and equal political ground in the country.
Via email
