Why Ichung'wah wants governor's seat to be reserved for women

Jan 23, 2024 - 19:57

By Peter Ochieng

If it was within Majority Leader in the National Assembly Anthony Kimani Ichung'wah's powers, then the governor's seat in all the 47 counties would be a preserve of women.

Speaking in Gilgil, Nakuru County on Tuesday, the Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) said female governors are performing better than their male colleagues.

He said when time comes for constitutional amendments, the governor's seat being set aside for women will be some of his proposals.

“If there comes a time when we will be able to change our constitution, the county governor position seat should be for affirmative action exclusively for women leaders,’’ said the vocal legislature.

Seven female governors were elected in 2022, up from three in 2017.

Those elected in 2022 are Kirinyaga governor Ann Waiguru, Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru), Fatuma Achani (Kwale), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Gladys Wanga (Homabay).

Waiguru, Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and the late Joyce Laboso (Bomet) were the only ones elected in 2013.

Multiple opinion polls have indicated that female governors are performing better than their male counterparts, with Wanga and Mwangaza among the top performers.

The MP added that those opposed to collaboration between the executive and the judiciary are beneficiaries of corruption.

"The opposition to the collaboration among the executive, judiciary, and parliament appears rooted in the discomfort of those who benefited from corruption. This resistance seems more about self-preservation than a genuine concern for institutional independence," he stated.

"Emphasizing the interdependence of our independent institutions, the statement calls for collective commitment to accountability and democracy."

He said the collaboration seeks to strengthen our democracy, promoting transparency and cooperation for the benefit of all citizens.

On Monday, president William Ruto met Chief Justice Martha Koome, in a move the opposition has not taken kindly.