Makueni Governor Professor Kivutha Kibwana now says that the push for a referendum could fail after MPs failed to pass the two-thirds gender bill.
Kibwana warns that women leaders may gang up to oppose the referendum after Parliament for the fourth time failed to pass the gender law.
According to Kibwana, MPs should urgently pass the gender parity law.
"Parliament's failure to pass the two-thirds gender Bill could deal a big blow to the anticipated referendum," the Makueni county boss said.
Speaking to journalists in Kibwezi Town on Saturday, Kibwana wondered by Parliament is not willing o pass the Bill.
He said the Bill is supported by the 2010 constitution, adding that it is unfair it is yet to be passed eight years since the promulgation of the constitution.
The Makueni governor urged Parliament top leadership to rally MPs to pass the gender rule.
"It will be difficult to tell the same women you failed to support to vote for changing the constitution if the law they want to be passed won't be part of the amendments. I am afraid the referendum will not sail through," he added.
Professor Kibwana sided with women leaders, saying the Bill if passed will ensure fairness in political parties and inclusivity to leadership positions.
On Wednesday last week, the gender Bill flopped for the fourth time after it lacked quorum for voting.
The Bill required the support of 233 MPs to sail through but only 174 were present when it was tabled by National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale.
A section of women leaders have vowed to oppose the proposed referendum on grounds Parliament is not willing to pass the gender parity law.
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