There was excitement in Parliament on Wednesday after ODM Party leader Raila Odinga arrived ahead of the voting on the much-debated Gender Bill.
Raila first visited Speaker Bedan Njoka Muturi where they discussed matters pertaining to the bill.
"Delighted to host the Rt. Hon Raila Odinga who called on me this afternoon ahead of the consideration of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2018, on gender representation in Parliament as envisaged by the constitution," Speaker Muturi stated.
Later, Raila led a host of Senators to the Speaker's Gallery where they followed the proceedings of the National Assembly.
There was a loud of applause when the ODM leader made his way into the house in the company of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Among the leaders who accompanied Raila and Kalonzo is Mutula Kilonzo Jr. (Makueni), Cleophas Malala (Kakamega) and James Orengo (Siaya).
During the discussion of the bill, Youth and Gender Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rachel Shebesh made an equally conspicuous appearance in Parliament.
Her presence clearly underlined President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government commitment to have the Gender Bill approved.
Ida Odinga has also in the past backed the Gender Bill saying women should no longer be used as instruments of voting by politicians but rather given leadership roles.
"We cannot just be use as instruments of voting when we can as well be leaders. Our role should not be limited to voting only but also to be voted in," she stated.
There are 76 women in the National Assembly - 23 elected MPs, 47 woman representatives and six nominated MPs among the 349 members.
In the Senate,there are 21 women senators who include 19 nominated and three elected members out of the 67 Senate members.
