Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori vows to fight gender bill

Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori

An MP has vowed to vote against the affirmative action bill seeking to increase women's representation in Parliament.

Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori is among the few MPs who voted against the bill last week and has maintained his position.

Although some women from his constituency had planned to demonstrate against him for the way he voted, Mr Dori said he was not shaken.

"I am among those MPs who did not vote for the gender bill. First because my religion does not allow it, and secondly we have a similar bill from Ainabkoi MP Samwel Chepkonga," he said.

The MP who was speaking to youths and women from his constituency who had assembled at Nyumba Mbovu, said the few women who wanted to demonstrate should be educated on how much it would cost to have a bigger Parliament.

Dori added that currently, Parliament was overwhelmed by the large number of MPs, which was affecting smooth running of the House.

"We even have to line up while going for call of nature. What if extra numbers were added?" he asked. "I did not vote against (the bill) because I hate women but because it will be an extra cost for wananchi. If you tell us to add another 60 who will pay that extra salary?" he added.