This archive report was first published on 10 June 2020.
Kenyans Unimpressed by Gender Ministry's Support for Anne Waiguru ¶
On June 9, 2020, Governor Anne Waiguru was impeached, and the Ministry of Public Service and Gender, led by Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia, released a statement expressing disappointment in the impeachment.
The statement claimed that the move was an indicator that some people do not value strong women's leadership and negatively impacts the country's social and economic development during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the statement has been met with strong reactions from Kenyans, who accuse the ministry of playing the gender card and being inconsistent in their support.
Senator Susan Kihika, who was recently ousted as the Senate Majority Whip, tweeted, asking if a similar letter would be sent to her and Cecily Mbarire from the ministry after their ouster.
"Wondering if a similar letter from @CSMargaretKobia 4 @CecilyMbarire & I got lost in the mail? Could the Ministry of Gender not be aware that we are women too? Cess, perhaps it’s time for you & I to send Kobia our naked pics then she might stand up for us against the bully too????" - @susankihika, June 10, 2020
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen also weighed in on the issue, questioning whether CS Kobia had to do everything to keep her job and learn from strong women like Susan and Cecily.
"Kenyans want to know who you really are. In actual fact are you women or you have been fooling us all along? CS Kobia you don’t have to do everything to keep your job. Learn something from strong women like Susan and Cecily. He is misusing you https://t.co/eonqqVHTmV" - @kipmurkomen, June 10, 2020
Other Kenyans have also criticized the ministry's statement, pointing out that when Waititu was impeached, men did not defend him, but now CS Kobia and her Ministry are ranting about Waiguru's impeachment.
"When Waititu was impeached, did you hear men defending defending him? But now because it is Waiguru, CS Kobia and her Ministry are here ranting to us. Didn't you see what happened Cecily Mbarire and Susan Kihika? This is why I've always been skeptical about women leadership. https://t.co/FTtqHS9Ptq" - @robertmwangi254, June 10, 2020
