Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet. He has been asked to guarantee safety of women aspirants contesting for political seats in the August 8 general election. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Taita Taveta Woman Representative Joyce Lay has asked the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet to guarantee security of women aspirants ahead of the August 8 polls.Speaking in a forum organized by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association in Voi on Wednesday, Lay said some women aspirants eying different political seats are allegedly being intimidated, threatened and harassed by hired goons.She said cases of women aspirants being assaulted, harassed and even beaten by hired goons have been reported in the recent days, adding that the hooligans have been disrupting their meetings and campaigns.“The Inspector General of Police should move with speed and arrest goons who intimidate and harass female aspirants and also guarantee safety of women eying political seats in the August elections," said Lay as quoted by the Daily Nation.Lay said it is wrong for women aspirants to be intimidated saying the Constitution provides for equal opportunity in leadership.She urged women not to be intimidated and instead stand firm and fight for their rights.“There is no need for us to fear, we must stand firm and push for our rights as women,” she said.Lay said that female aspirants should be given space to carry out their campaigns without intimidation, adding that women will advance their interests if they actively participate in politics and leadership.