Why Gender is Definitely an Agenda in Kenya’s 2022 General Elections
The selection of Hon. Martha Wangari Karua, SC as the Deputy Presidential candidate of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party on Monday, May 16, 2022 has and continues to elicit mixed reactions among Kenyans. The main challengers, Kenya Kwanza Alliance seem to be pricked by Azimio’s choice of the running mate.
Notably, after the announcement of Martha Karua as the Deputy Presidential candidate of Azimio la Umoja, there were jubilations and celebrations in various parts of the country. Women were particularly excited by the choice that Azimio la Umoja had made in regards to its running mate as many of them viewed this as a win for women and struggle for their emancipation in the political sphere.
However, Kenya Kwanza Alliance who seemingly were taken aback by Azimio’s choice of Deputy Flagbearer quickly accused, Azimio of pulling out a gender card. In their arguments, they claim that Azimio choose Martha Karua, just to try and appease the women and sway their voter basket to their side. Actually, the flagbearer of Kenya Kwanza, William Ruto claimed that Raila Odinga was confused and decided to choose “some” woman after betraying Kalonzo Musyoka. He went ahead to say that Kenya Kwanza remains the only coalition committed to ensuring women’s emancipation in Kenya. As such, the choice of Martha Karua as Raila’s running mate sent shivers to the opponent.
Is Gender an Agenda in the Coming Elections?
The promulgation of Constitution of Kenya 2010 in August 27, 2010 signaled a new dawn and a new constitutional dispensation. The new constitutional order came with various guarantees that would enhance democratization of Kenya and also emancipation of Kenya women in all spheres of life. Thus, since the ratification of the Constitution, there have been tremendous increase in the number of women in the public offices. The new constitutional order has witnessed the appointment of a woman to head Judiciary in the recent past.
Despite the fact that there has been a considerable increase of women in Public service and electoral position, the country is yet to be gender equal especially in the political sphere. The creation of Women Representatives seats has not offered a lasting solution to the problem and some provisions guaranteeing gender parity are yet to be fully implemented. Majorly due to the lack of political will and general goodwill among the parliamentarians who have failed to enact laws that can help with the implementation of constitutional provisions on gender equality.
So why I am saying that gender is an agenda in 2022 general elections? The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), an Independent organ in charge of elections, sought an order from the court to compel political parties to be gender compliant in their submission of lists of nominated candidates. While I find the move erroneous and out of place for many reasons, it signaled that gender is and will be an integral part of our electoral system in this election and those to come in the near future.
Interestingly, the aftermath of nomination of Martha Karua, SC as the deputy flagbearer of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya has been nomination of various women for other elective posts especially the position of Deputy governor. For instance, in Kiambu county almost all Gubernatorial candidates have nominated women to deputize them. Additionally, Muranga County Chief Executive (read Governor) hopeful, Irungu Kang’ata has chosen a woman to be his deputy. This comes against the backdrop of their party UDA claiming that “it is not gender but it is agenda” in this coming general election. This begs the question, isn’t gender an agenda? Because why would one talk about empowering Mama Mboga and say that gender is not an agenda?
Was Martha Nominated because She is a Woman?
To claim that Martha Karua was nominated to deputize Raila Odinga because she is a woman is the surest of vacating common sense. Why am I saying so? Martha Karua as an Individual has a track record as UDA mujahedeen would prefer, that speaks for itself. She was among the few individuals who mounted fierce resistance against KANU’s iron fist rule of Kenya. She has been at the forefront of the fight for strict adherence of the rule of law and constitutionalism by the State.
In terms of graft allegations, she is among the few politicians in Kenya with few or no graft allegations as compared to her opponents. Her service to the country and her principled nature has earned her the title, IRON LADY. It goes without saying that Martha Karua was not only the potential candidate to deputize Raila Odinga, Azimio also had Murang’a Women Representative, Sabina Chege and Kitui Governor, Hon. Charity Ngilu as potential candidates.
Therefore, the claim by some quarters that gender is not an agenda is misplaced and logically inappropriate. Gender is part of the agenda as we are in a country that is trying to embrace democratic ideals that are entrenched on equal opportunity for each citizen regardless of their gender, or race. Our quest to create a more egalitarian society is pegged on the realization of gender parity and this coming election is an opportunity for us to begin this conversation earnestly.
