Nairobi Women Representative Rachel Shebesh suffered a significant political setback after her candidates lost heavily in the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization (MYWO) Nairobi county polls.
Shebesh had invested heavily in the MYWO grassroots elections to influence the national elections scheduled for July 17, 2014. However, the highly contested elections in the city saw women leaders allied to Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko win 16 out of 17 sub-county positions, edging out Team Shebesh.
Three top women, Rahab Muii, Beth Kyengo, and current office holder Rukia Subow, will compete for the Chairlady's post on July 17. When contacted for comment, Sonko denied influencing the polls, stating it was a women's affair and that Nairobi women had spoken for themselves by electing MYWO leaders of their choice. He declared his readiness to support whoever is elected the national chairperson.
According to Sonko,
