This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
On Mashujaa Day, the Inua Mama wing of the country's political class announced the end of their 'Kamanda – underwear boycott' after four weeks of protests.
The boycott, led by Women Members of Parliament allied to Deputy President William Ruto, was sparked by Maina Kamanda's endorsement of ODM's Imran Okoth in the Kibra by-election.
Initially, the group demanded Kamanda's expulsion from the Jubilee Party, citing his disrespect to the party leadership.
However, the group's leader, Nairobi's nominated Senator Millicent Omanga, revealed that cartels within the Jubilee party had refused to take action against Kamanda, forcing the group to call off the boycott.
Senator Wangui Ngirici expressed her anger, blaming the cartels for denying the country justice by not expelling Kamanda.
Ngirici stated, 'Our party has allowed cartels to tolerate the likes of Kamanda who have no focus and are undermining our party's resolutions.'
The group's decision to call off the boycott was also attributed to several challenges, including harsh weather, attacks from neighboring elements, and lack of resources.
Senator Susan Kihika read out the group's statement, saying, 'We remain committed to ensuring that there is order in the Jubilee party and ultimately, Maina Kamanda will have to be expelled from the Jubilee party. But for now, we have decided to call off the underwear boycott to give room for dialogue.'
