We will not be cowed, say women

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NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua with party's women aspirants in a Nakuru hotel address the press where she declared that her party will be fishing votes all over the country without using tribal cocoons. Photo/NATION 

By RACHEL KIBUI rkibui@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, July 5  2012 at  23:30

IN SUMMARY

• Despite hindrances in their way ahead of the next polls, they are keen to realise their dreams

Women political office aspirants on Narc-Kenya ticket have cited cultural factors and security concerns as hindrances in their bid to outdo their male opponents in campaigns.

However, the women say they have to overcome the challenges to achieve their political dreams in the male-dominated field.

They had met to strategise on how to overcome such hindrances as campaigns for the next elections expected in March next year start to shape up.

Ms Pascalia Makonjio, a parliamentary aspirant for Nambale constituency shared with her colleagues her bitter story on the risks she is facing and her determination to remain in the race.

“I have not been sleeping in my house for the last two weeks after some people threatened to kill me saying they are not ready for a woman MP,” Ms Makonjio, 34, told the meeting on Wednesday.

Death threats

The small-scale businesswoman claimed she was asked to choose between life and death. On two occasions, Ms Makonjio said, leaders from two political parties called on her to join them but she declined.

Another parliamentary hopeful, Ms Jane Mwita, is determined to break the culture of oppression against women in Kuria West constituency.

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But some constituents warn her against going against their culture. “Others insist there is already a woman seat by default, so all the others should be left to men, who are allegedly born leaders,” she said.

Narc-Kenya presidential hopeful Martha Karua asked the women to soldier on bravely, bearing in mind that men too faced their own challenges like lack of finances.

The Gichugu MP reminded them they must devise ways of raising campaign money from well-wishers and friends.

“I also faced a lot of challenges when I was a budding politician especially verbal violence, but I persevered,” she said while officially opening the forum.

Former Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara said Narc-Kenya women were working on how to overcome all challenges.

“We will not throw around money and will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by aspirants who have money,” said Ms Kihara.

During the two-day forum, the aspirants will also be enlightened on various laws touching on politics, devolution and the Political Parties Act.