Fida speaks out on golf club saga

By STANDARD TEAM

Federation of Women Lawyers (Fida) Kenya has reacted harshly to by-laws introduced in Limuru Country Club that strip the membership status of women and therefore their right to vote during crucial elections.

Fida Chairperson Ruth Aura said the by-laws were a blatant violation of Article 27 of the Constitution on the Bill of Rights.

“It stipulates that women and men have equal rights and no one shall be discriminated directly or indirectly on the basis of their sex, among other grounds. In the case of women in Limuru Country Club, not only did they lose their voting rights and member status, but they were also subjected to suspensions and revocation of handicaps,” said Aura.

The statement released to newsrooms yesterday follows appeals by Rose Mambo, Caroline Ngugi and Martha Vincent to overturn the new rule by the golf club that bars women members from contesting posts. The women were banished by the club management for expressing interest in elective posts within the association.

The club also passed a by-law to take away the voting rights of women, rendering them mere guests during general meetings. The high-profile saga continues to attract attention and outrage after the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said it may take legal action if the matter is not resolved speedily and amicably.

Commenting on the row for the first time, LSK Chief Executive Officer Apollo Mboya said the December 18 move by the Limuru Country Club to amend its rules to strip women members of the golf club their rights of voting was discriminatory and in breach of the law.

He said the issue was before LSK Gender Committee, which would advise them on appropriate steps to take. “Article 27 of the Constitution stipulates that every person was equal before the law and had the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. The club has contravened the constitutional provision on non-discrimination on gender,” he said.

He continued, “Equality includes the full benefits and equal enjoyment of all rights and fundamental freedoms, irrespective of gender.” Aura added that they welcome the intervention so far undertaken by Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch and demand that the country club reinstate women committee members and their right to vote.