Kenya: Ms Rahab Muiu was elected the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) chairperson unopposed after Rukia Subbow and Lucy Nyoroka stepped down at the last minute.
Just before the women took to the polls, former National chairperson Subbow announced her decision to quit. “I know there have been doubts about my candidature. For the sake of the unity of women, I want to step aside,” she said.
Subbow, however, insisted she was not under any pressure to step down but only wanted to ensure harmony prevails within the organisation.
“I came to my decision having realised that members would be divided along political lines. I would want to encourage unity among all of us,” she added. Rukia who served the organisation for eight years thanked all those who rallied behind her and called on the interim chair to use her position and power to unite Kenyan women. “I want to appreciate all the women for all the time we have worked together. I support Muiu and urge her to unite women from all parts of the country,” she said.
Mixed reactions
Her decision elicited mixed reactions among the delegates with some outraged supporters walking out in protest while others broke out in song and dance to celebrate Muiu’s victory.
Women delegates from the North Eastern region claimed Subbow was threatened and intimidated to step down. “This was a political move, so that they could manipulate the women organisation. Why are politicians interfering with women elections,” posed a national delegate from North Eastern region.
On the other hand, Lucy Nyoroka said her decision was informed by a strategy to solidify the Eastern province block. “We have met with Eastern province leaders and decided that we should not front two people. I therefore, stepped down for Rahab,” she said. The giant women organisation held its elections yesterday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani amid claims of interference by some politicians, rigging, war and voter bribery in the preceding grassroots polls.
