Women from the North eastern part of this nation will have to go an extra mile in order to secure different elective posts in the forthcoming general because of clan poll pacts.
The infamous negotiated democracy has become an impediment to women seeking different elective posts come August. All clans in this part of the nation are now applying this practice, says Kenya Women Holding project manager Margaret Mbugua.
Mbugua, who addressed the press in Garissa town on Thursday at the end of a two-day workshop for women aspirant, said the elders role in the polls have dealt women a great blow as they seek to rise to power in their respective areas.
“The elders don’t recognise the role of women in leadership,” Mbugua said, as Star quoted her.
She also said that the idea of negotiated democracy is likely to kill political ambitions of many women in this area.
“Elders, through the so-called negotiated democracy, have only reserved political seats for men. This has negatively impacted women seeking posts,” she added.
Mahfudho Haji, who is contesting for Adamasija MCA in Wajir County, reiterated the same sentiments, saying women have an uphill task in the forthcoming general polls.
“Being a woman in itself is a challenge as elders will rally behind people to reject you for defying them. I have told them [elders] to only engage in other activities such as bringing cohesion among communities and leave politics to politicians,” she said.
[Rer Ali subclan leader Kassim Ibrahim speaks after a meeting with Garre clan leaders] Photo www-star.co.ke