The life of the current parliament is hanging on the balance following a deadlock on the implementation of the constitutional provision on the two-thirds gender rule whose deadline is fast approaching.
Kisii County Member of the National Assembly,Mary Otara has expressed fear that the current parliament risks dissolution before the end of the five-year constitutional if MPs will not implement the two-thirds gender rule by 27th August this year.
Speaking at Ibeno Primary school grounds, Otara challenged the Chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Samuel Chepkonga to withdraw a Bill seeking to indefinitely postpone the implementation of the gender parity rule instead allow for drafting of a consultative Bill by the Government to meet the constitutional implementation deadline.
"I am challenging the Chairman of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Samuel Chepkonga to withdraw his Bill seeking to indefinitely postpone the implementation of the gender rule to allow MPs consult and come up with a Bill that will be drafted by the Government for approval by parliament unlock the gender rule deadlock," stated Otara.
Otara also challenged male MPs to support the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, arguing it will safeguard important gains achieved for women's rights.
Nominated MCA, Josephine Ombati challenged women MPs in the National Assembly to lobby their male colleagues to support the implementation of the gender rule as provided for in the constitution of Kenya,2010.
The Constitution of Kenya,2010,Article 27(8)provides for Affirmative action where the state is required to take legislative and other measures to ensure that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies are of the same gender.
The Constitution has set five year since the promulgation of a new constitution for parliament to effect the gender rule. The deadline is fast approaching by August 27, 2015.