A group of female lawmakers allied to the Broad-based government have accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of gender-based political violence against women leaders, citing his direct insults towards those who don’t share his political ideology.
Led by Esther Passaris, the Nairobi woman representative, the MPs pointed to a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence, intimidation, and undermining.
“Our concern is the manner in which these disagreements have been expressed, particularly where women leaders, women spouses and women in vulnerable circumstances have been singled out, personally attacked, undermined or drawn into political confrontations,” Ms Passaris said.
“A woman does not surrender her dignity because she enters politics. She does not lose her right to respect because she disagrees with a powerful political leader. She does not become a political target because she is married to a public official, and she does not lose her autonomy because she is a widow,” she added.
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
The delegation included Migori County Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, Marsabit County Woman Representative Naomi Waqo, Teso South MP Mary Emase, Baringo County Woman Representative Florence Jematia, Trans Nzoia County Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi.
Others included Turkana County Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen Ngitit, Vihiga County Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, Siaya County Woman Representative Christine Ombaka, Eldas MP Maryanne Kitany, Kisii County Woman Representative Dorice Donya, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Nyamira County Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi and Bomet County Woman Representative Lilian Toto
The lawmakers cited several incidents which they said illustrated the pattern, including alleged verbal attacks against Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, whom Mr Gachagua has repeatedly called attacked due to her association with President William Ruto.
The lawmakers expressed concern that such language amounts to gender-based humiliation rather than legitimate political criticism.
“Women leaders should be challenged on their policies, performance and ideas—not their morality, sexuality or womanhood,” they said.
The lawmakers also pointed out that on April 17, during a burial ceremony in Mwea, the area MP Mary Maingi.
During the burial ceremony, Mr Gachagua, while addressing mourners by phone, reportedly described Ms Maingi as a “traitor of the community” and accused her of supporting the Government.
According to the MPs, Ms Maingi, just like any other Kenyan, had a constitutional right to make independent political choices and that disagreements over her political position should be addressed through policy debate and facts rather than personal humiliation.
Kirinyaga County Governor Anne Waiguru during a past interview at her home in Kitusuru.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The lawmakers also cited unprintable remarks that Mr Gachagua made against Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Cecily Mbarire (Embu), whom the leaders termed as disrespectful and demeaning to women in elective leadership.
The lawmakers labelled Mr Gachagua as an enemy of women, calling on him to publicly acknowledge and apologise for remarks and conduct that have demeaned women leaders.
“Wives, children and other family members should be kept out of political battles. Women leaders should be judged on their policies, decisions and performance—not their gender, marital status or political relationships,” Ms Passaris said.
The lawmakers pointed out that the country should be a safe place where women can participate fully in public life without fear of intimidation, humiliation or attacks on their families, and where every person's inherent dignity is respected and protected as required by our Constitution.
