Nominated senator Millicent Omanga urged Nairobi Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to halt a motion that sought to ban commercial sex in the city.
Speaking on Monday, the senator defended the women by arguing that most were not in the trade because they were willing but due to lack of jobs.
“I strongly oppose the move and demand that these women be given audience so that a way forward is found, Ms Omanga stated.
“Many do not engage in that kind of work because they enjoy it but simply because circumstances push them and they need to survive,” she added.
[caption caption="Nairobi County Assembly"]
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Atheists in Kenya (AIK) had earlier called for the repealing of the motion through and gave the MCAs a 14-day ultimatum to do away with the law or face unspecified action.
“The passing of this law is unconstitutional, illegal, untenable and retrogressive,” part of the statement by AIK read.
Instead of banning commercial sex workers, AIK proposed for the legalization of the industry, arguing that the county government could earn revenue by taxing the sex workers.
“In the face of high unemployment rates in Kenya and no viable alternatives for earning a living, sex work indeed offers one of the more stable and accessible ways to financially support women and their families,” argued AIK.
On November 31, the Nairobi County assembly started discussing a motion seeking to ban commercial sex in the city.
[caption caption="Harrison Mumia, President of Atheists In Kenya"]
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The motion was moved by Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course MCA Mwangi Abraham Njihia who raised concern about the rising number of the sex workers in Nairobi, the debate will proceed on Tuesday, December 5.
