Women want free, fair nominations

Women leaders from western region led by Florence Aluodo (left) and Janet Oyondi during a press briefing in Kisumu 0n October 22 2016 on women leadership .They challenged women to come out in large numbers to contest against their male counterparts in Kenya's top leadership positions ahead of 2017 general elections.PIC BY COLLINS ODUOR

Women leaders from Kisumu, Kakamega and Siaya counties have called on party leaders to ensure free and fair nominations in their parties so that women can run for elective seats. With political heat intensifying in parties as members position themselves to win tickets, the women leaders - elected and aspirants - are now urging party leadership to ensure a level playground during nominations.

While addressing journalists at a Kisumu hotel at the end of a two-day training workshop on leadership, the leaders decried favouritism that seen men being handed nomination certificates at the expense of women.

The leaders - Siaya Women Representative aspirant Florence Aluodo, Kisumu MCA Caroline Ogot and her Kakamega counterpart Janet Oyondi, said more women will contest elective posts if they are assured of fair competition.

"We need the support from the party because we are working hard for ODM given that Siaya is a stronghold. We want to call on our party leader Raila Oding to support women in leadership. We want the party to come out strongly and support this cause," said Aluodo.

Aluodo pointed out that there are issues which women are better placed to articulate like child and maternal health, persons with disability empowerment and reproductive health.

She gave an example of Siaya County where women pay cash to access maternity services yet in other counties, it is free.