This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On June 10, 2020, a war erupted on Twitter after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia attempted to defend impeached Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru using the gender card.
According to Kobia, Waiguru's term was being cut short by an impeachment, which she claimed was an indicator that some people do not value strong women leadership.
However, her comments were met with a barrage of criticism from Twitter users, including Susan Kihika, the former Senate Majority Whip, who wondered why Kobia did not send a similar letter when she and former National Assembly Deputy Majority Whip, Cecily Mbarire were ejected from house leadership.
“Wondering if a similar letter from CS Kobia for Mbarire and 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 and I to send our naked pics then she might stand up for us,” Kihika said.
Other women leaders, including Homa Bay Woman Representative, Gladys Wanga, defended Waiguru, saying, “as women leaders, we take great exception with purported impeachment of Waiguru.”
However, a Twitter user, Almamy Moha, reminded Wanga that men did not flash the gender card when Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu faced the axe.
