Gov’t to re-introduce Gender Bill in Parliament for the third time – Ruto

The Government will reintroduce the Gender Bill that was shot down by Members of Parliament on Thursday. This is according to Deputy President William Ruto.

Speaking in Tinderet Constituency,  Nandi County, the Deputy President said the Government will seek support from the opposition to ensure the Bill is debated again and passed.

Ruto said Jubilee will come up with a new consensus aimed at unlocking the stalemate.

“What happened yesterday (Thursday) in Parliament is regrettable but all is not lost. We will build new consensus to ensure we realize the two-thirds gender representation in Parliament,” said  Ruto.

He said the Jubilee administration recognizes the vital role played by women in development and would do everything possible to ensure the two-thirds gender bill was passed.

On Thursday, the National Assembly  failed to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill of 2015 that seeks to ensure that no gender occupies more than two-thirds of the parliamentary seats.

The Bill failed to garner the two-third majority votes required to ensure it sails through.

It had been given a second chance last week after National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi ordered a fresh vote that was taken Thursday to allow time for consultation within party ranks.

Of the 199 MPs present, 178 members voted in support of the Bill while 16 voted against it.

Five MPs abstained from taking a vote.