Governor Anne Waiguru Backs Calls for a Referendum

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru backed calls by Opposition leader Raila Odinga to change the Constitution by a referendum.

However, Waiguru stated that the amendments should not influence women representation in elective seats in any way.

“We will only support adjustments that will give women more space in decision making tables,” Waiguru stated.

The governor disclosed that her basis of issuing conditions to the proponents of the constitutional changes is because parliament has failed to implement the two-thirds gender rule.

“The two-thirds gender rule has failed and has not worked for the country. Parliament has failed to implement it. We do not want the progressive implementation any more but we want equal opportunities,” she stated.

Waiguru who proclaimed herself as a women rights’ champion, noted that positions which require running mates, such as President and governor, candidates should be of opposite sex.

She further remarked that the Constitution should only be changed to ensure all electoral units have a woman in the place.

“We want 50-50 situation in women representations in all seats. Proponents of the referendum must ensure that there is equal gender balance to get our support. If not, we will oppose the changes,” the Kirinyaga governor stated.

She was speaking during a meeting dubbed ‘Voice of Women in the Referendum Conversation’. 

The gathering was attended by more than 300 women drawn from different counties in Central Kenya.

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