This archive report was first published on 22 August 2020.
On March 7, 2017, a contentious issue emerged in Kisii County, where nominated female Members of County Assembly (MCAs) raised concerns over alleged discrimination by their male counterparts.
The female MCAs, who were elected through nomination, claimed they were being denied access to benefits and rights enjoyed by their elected male colleagues.
According to the female MCAs, the county assembly had amended its standing orders, effectively barring them from passing and voting on motions.
They also alleged that they were being denied access to funds for offices and remuneration of their workers.
As a result, the female MCAs established a parallel leadership, known as the Kisii Assembly Women Chapter.
Clare Obino, a nominated MCA, read out the MCAs' resolutions, petitioning the county assembly to obey the advisories issued by the constitutional commissions and the high court ruling.
Justice Fred Ochieng, sitting in Kisumu, had issued conservatory orders granting the nominated MCAs the right to vote and pass motions.
Irene Mayaka, a leader from the Nyamira County Assembly, criticized the elected male counterparts for demanding that the nominated female MCAs be obedient to them.
