Call on minority groups to join alliances for gains

By Job Weru

Kenyan minority communities have been urged to join coalitions to promote their representation in political, development and government circles.

Mr Daniel Kobei, the executive director of Ogiek Peoples Development Organisation and Ms Jeniffer Kere, the director of Women in Fishing Industry Programme said the minority communities risked being sidelined if they do not involve themselves in politics.

Kobei said minority and marginalised groups have remained vulnerable and unnoticed in various political and development issues, hence expanding their vulnerability. “Everything has been based on party affiliations and coalitions and this is the high time we joined these groupings so that our presence can be felt,” said Kobei.

Speaking while launching a report dubbed, ‘Report; Challenges at the Intersection of gender ethnic identity in Kenya’, in a Nairobi hotel,  the officials noted that active participation in political coalitions and campaigns would help the group scoop positions, which would boost their voices in parliament and other organs.

She noted that the most disadvantaged in marginalised groups were women.

Mr Wilson Kipkazi, the executive director of Endorois Welfare community, which is based in Baringo County, observed that the communities must wake up and demand recognition with the current political dispensation.

Kipkazi also warned the Government against ‘hiding behind political campaigns and implementation of the Constitution’, and forgetting to address pertinent issues that affect minority and marginalised communities.

Ms Laura Young, a consultant in gender issues noted that most women from the communities were not able to access justice, and were mostly subjected to customary law.