The Kenyan political arena is still a male-dominated world and women in politics continue to face uniquely ‘sexist abuse’ even on ground levels.
This has been brought to attention by Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba who pointed out lack of gender diversity during President William Ruto’s recent visit to her constituency.
According to Gathoni, she was not recognised during the last week’s political meeting further claiming she was also denied entry into the briefing room when the Head of State attended the Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Society field day and expo on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
She questioned why a Woman Rep was also not present regardless of the seat being created to close glaring gender gap in politics.
“The male shadow in politics in Kenya is growing thicker! I can’t breathe in my own constituency as an Elected woman MP ……not even the Women Rep can appear in an official presidential visit. President, Deputy President, Majority Leader, and male MPs visited my constituency for a political meeting and I was not allowed to walk with them or take a photo. I was denied to even enter the briefing room. Misogyny is real!” Wamuchomba stated.
This comes amid Wamuchomba’s growing publicity over her stand on the controversial Finance Bill.
The UDA lawmaker has been the biggest player in opposing the bill which she terms punitive to Kenyans, especially during the current hard economic times.
The male shadow in politics in Kenya is growing thicker !
I can't breath in my own constituency as Elected woman Mp ……not even the Women Rep can appear in an official presidential visit.@KEWOPA @UNWomenWatch @UN_Women @BBCWorld pic.twitter.com/h1mFAx8yUx
— Hon.Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC, MP (@hon_wamuchomba) June 21, 2023
