Former presidential candidate and leader of the Alliance for Real Change Kenya (ARK) party, Mr Abduba Dida, has recommended a 50/50 allocation of Cabinet positions among men and women.
Speaking exclusively to Kenyans.co.ke, the controversial teacher advocated for a partnership arrangement, contrary to the Constitutional two-thirds gender rule.
"My position and the rule in my party ARK is that men and women should be given positions on a 50/50 basis.
"This goes back to the creation story where God created Adam and Eve. The two were made equal, none is better than the other. That is what we believe and ascribe to, men and women are equal so posts should be shared equally," the former presidential candidate told Kenyans.co.ke.
[caption caption="Mwalimu Abduba Dida during a past presser"]
[/caption]
He further observed that positions should also be allocated according to the qualifications of the individuals as well as abilities.
"In the military, for example, you don't expect a woman to be out there fighting Al Shabaab, they are not physically capable but they can be given administrative duties to handle.
"According to how God structured authority the man should be the head and the woman should deputise. That way it is more of a partnership based on mutual respect," Mr Dida explained.
The outspoken leader dismissed a tweet attributed to an account bearing his name that stated: "So FIDA is advocating for inclusion of more ladies in the cabinet simply because they are women. What's wrong with Kenyan women? I respect M Karua and Charity Ngilu who have fought their way to the top. This 2/3 gender rule nonsense is making women lazy, they just sit and wait."
FIDA Chairperson Josephine Wambua-Mongare posted an open letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta ahead of the cabinet appointments asking him to adhere to the requirements of the Constitution on such appointments.
"The women of Kenya call upon you to uphold the spirit and letter of the Constitution. We look forward to at least seven Cabinet seats assigned to competent and qualified women.
[caption caption="Former Presidential candidate Mohammed Abduba Dida"]
[/caption]
"FIDA-Kenya is prepared to furnish you with a list of women who fit the profile of a Cabinet secretary in any of the available 22 positions," the women's advocated stated in the letter.
A section of Kenyans was in uproar after President Kenyatta failed to name a woman during his announcement of six cabinet secretaries he had retained and his three new nominees.
