Gender rule: Democracy is about competition, not freebies

Allow me to wade into the debate on achieving at least one-third of women representation in the National Assembly and the Senate, which constitute the institution of Parliament. The matter relates to the gender principles in Articles 27(8) and Articles 81(b) of the Constitution.

As a Kenyan, I am entitled to freedom of expression under Article 34 of our Constitution. This therefore, is not about me as National Assembly Speaker, who under Article 122 has no vote in debate. Suffice to say, my opinion on this matter, if any, does not count in the House. What that means is MPs have a leeway to bring on board whichever legislation to anchor women representation in elected positions to at least 1/3 of the total.