Waiguru impeachment sparks gender debate online

A war erupted on Twitter yesterday after Public Service Cabinet Secretary Margaret Kobia attempted to defend impeached Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru (pictured) using the gender card.

The CS had suggested that Waiguru had been indicted because she is a woman, attracting a barrage of comments from Twitter users.   

In her letter posted to Twitter, Kobia wrote: “It is unfortunate that Governor Anne Waiguru’s term is being cut short by an impeachment. This is indicator that some of us do not value strong women leadership....”.

Susan Kihika, former Senate Majority Whip, wondered why Kobia did not send a similar letter when she and former National Assembly Deputy Majority Whip, Cecily Mbarire were ejected from house leadership.

“Wondering if a similar letter from CS Kobia for Mbarire and I got lost in the mail? Could the Ministry of Gender not be aware that we are women too? Cess, perhaps it’s time for you and I to send our naked pics then she might stand up for us,” Kihika said.

Homa Bay Woman Representative, Gladys Wanga defended Waiguru, saying, “as women leaders, we take great exception with purported impeachment of Waiguru.” 

A Twitter user, Almamy Moha reminded Wanga that men did not flash the gender card when Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu faced the axe.