This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 19, 2019, a group of over 40 female lawmakers allied to Deputy President William Ruto expressed their opposition to a proposal to scrap the Woman Representative seat in Kenya's Parliament.
The lawmakers, who are part of the 'Inua Mama, Jenga Taifa' caucus, argued that the move would isolate women from leadership positions and undermine the two-thirds gender rule in Parliament.
Leading the charge was Kandara MP Alice Wahome, who stated that the government formed in 2022 must have enough room for women, youth, and men.
Ms. Wahome's remarks were echoed by other female lawmakers, including Tharaka Nithi Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga, Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, and Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau.
The lawmakers also expressed their support for Deputy President William Ruto's bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2022 general election.
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara pointed out that the working relationship between President Kenyatta and Deputy President Ruto had ensured peace in the Rift Valley region, which had faced post-election violence.
