On 21 November 2018, Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot joined Haki Africa in attacking the Two-Thirds Gender Bill, arguing that the proposal does not solve the deeper constitutional and political problems facing the country.
Speaking at Haki Africa offices alongside executive director Hussein Khalid, Aukot said the bill was not enough and accused Parliament of pretending to fix gender equality through constitutional amendments. He said the push was “diversionary” and insisted women should hold 50 per cent of seats in Parliament.
“We call on our parliamentarians to stop the pretence currently going in in Parliament about amending the Constitution to bring equality between men and women via the Duale Bill,” he said.
He added: “Women cannot be subjected to probabilities. They need respect and equality now. The Duale Bill, in my view, is diversionary.”
The bill, sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, had already attracted support from Deputy President William Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga and other senior politicians who were urging MPs to pass it.
Aukot also used the briefing to distance himself from any suggestion that he was angling for a government appointment. He said he was content leading Thirdway Alliance and had no interest in flattering anyone for a job.
“I want to assure you that I don’t need job. I’m very happy as the party leader of Thirdway Alliance of Kenya,” he said.
His remarks came against the backdrop of recent political appointments linked to the March 9 Handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila at Harambee House. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka had asked to be Uhuru’s “errand boy” and was later named Special Peace Envoy, with Juba, South Sudan, as his first assignment. About a month earlier, Raila had been appointed African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa.
Aukot said he supported the Building Bridges Initiative in principle, but doubted it would produce anything new for Kenyans.
“We believe that the Building Bridges Initiative is a good idea. But really, I don’t think it can come up with anything new on what ails this country,” Aukot said.
Nyakundi Report notes that the source article also linked to earlier coverage of Aukot’s campaign to reduce the number of lawmakers to 194 and his criticism of the Handshake.
