MPs Kuria, Okoth disagree on how to achieve gender parity in Parliament

MPs Kuria, Okoth disagree on how to achieve gender parity in Parliament

Gatundu Member of Parliament Moses Kuria says there are too many leadership positions in the country vis-à-vis the population.

Speaking during Citizen TV’s Power Breakfast Show Tuesday morning, Kuria said the country cannot afford a bloated budget.

“We need to ask ourselves, can we afford it? I would like to see more MPs if it is possible, as long as we are not increasing the cost in this country. I have nothing against women. I voted against the Gender Bill because it was increasing by 70 the number of MPs. We cannot afford that,” said the Gatundu South MP.

Kuria argued that while the issue of the two-third gender rule has been tested at the county assemblies and it is evident the cost of running them is very high.

“The results are that for 1,450 wards represented by MCAs, we have got almost an equal number of nominated MCAs. They are taking home about Ksh 10 billion a year.”

“I will not rest on this debate until I get Ksh 24 billion to ensure that every child gets free secondary education. Instead of looking for the extra Ksh 14 billion, someone wants us to add more cost to have more leaders,” stated Kuria.

However, speaking on the same show, Kibra MP Ken Okoth noted that the subject of women in Parliament is a mandate that needs to be implemented.

“The court reminded us that we need to implement the Gender Bill by August. If the wage bill is the issue, lets reduce costs on Parliament. Let us look at formula 94 on the Green Amendment. It suggests that we go back to the 210 constituencies where women can also compete for seats.  Let us ensure that every county nominates 2 women representatives making them 94 instead of 47. Every county should select two Senators, one female and one male. This way, we will meet the two-third threshold, at least for the next 10 years,” said the Kibra MP.

“The Green Amendment cannot happen. It says that we can reduce the burden, but the formula does not save me enough money to send children to school,” stated Kuria.

“It will help us meet the two third threshold. The principal is that it is in the constitution. We are not electing enough women,” argued Okoth.

Kuria wondered why political parties were not empowering women to compete for elective posts.

“Our parties should put their money where their mouths are, they need to give more women nomination tickets. If we can’t fix it within our parties, we can’t fix it within our constitution. We need to be honest to ourselves. The threshold is not going to be met. A lot of people who say they support the Gender Bill do not,” said Kuria.

“We are honest to the constitution that we swore to protect. Our fidelity first is to the constitution. It is democracy that keeps this country safe,” Okoth shot back.

“In this country, we put resources in the wrong place. We do not need more leaders; we need children to get free secondary school education. There is just not enough money in this country. Let us reduce our own cost, we need to reduce MPs and MCAs,” argued Kuria.

Last week, 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.

Deputy President William Ruto said the government will re-introduce the Gender Bill, saying Government will seek support from the opposition to ensure the Bill is debated again and passed.

Tags:

kenya parliament women Kibra MP Ken Okoth Gender bill Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria

Want to send us a story? Submit on Wananchi Reporting on the Citizen Digital App or Send an email to wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke or Send an SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp on 0743570000

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories