Gender debate heats up following Waiguru’s impeachment

Just a day after Kirinyaga County MCAs voted to impeach Governor Anne Waiguru, leaders have taken to social media to discuss the matter.

While some have claimed Waiguru was targeted because she is a woman, others have trashed this theory saying this is not the time to play the gender card.

It all started when Public Service and Gender CS Margaret Kobia claimed Waiguru’s impeachment was an indicator that some people do not value strong women in leadership.

Her sentiments generated a heated debate online and among those who reacted was Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika who wondered why she did not get the same support when she was removed as Senate Majority whip.

She sarcastically claimed that she probably got a similar letter but it disappeared in her inbox.

“Wondering if a similar letter from @CSMargaretKobia @CecilyMbarire& 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 & I to send Kobia our naked pics then she might stand up for us against the bully too,” she tweeted.

This prompted the input of Senate Deputy Speaker Margaret Kamar who reminded Kihika that her ouster was not motivated by political witch-hunt.

“With all due respect Mheshimiwa, the naked part was unnecessary. Anyway, your cases were different & there wasn't any political witch-hunt. You were NOT LOYAL to your party. Waiguru's case is full of men’s rea,” she tweeted.

Homa Bay MP Gladys Wanga also sided with Waiguru saying Health CS Mutahi Kagwe should have dealt with the MCAs who failed to observe social distancing by spending the night in a single room.

“As women leaders we take great exception with the purported impeachment of Gov @AnneWaiguru. This travesty flies in the face of the law given the court order stopping proceedings.

“In fact, @CSMutahi_Kagwe should quarantine MCAs who slept in a single room in violaton of COVID rules,” she tweeted.

This caught the attention of LSK President Nelson Havi who faulted women leaders in the country.

“The leadership of a County Government is a serious enterprise that cannot be equated to KANU Maendeleo Ya Wanawake. You women in Parliament have failed Kenyans in the quest to enforce the 2/3 gender rule because you worship and entreanch Patriarchy. Do not mislead the public,” he wrote.