Ruto likens opposers of gender Bill to wakoloni

Deputy President William Ruto has criticised MPs opposed to the Gender Bill saying their actions are similar to those of “wakoloni“.

Speaking during a funds drive in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua, the DP likened them to British colonialists who during the fight for independence deemed Kenyans as not ready for self-rule.

“If we don’t respect the Constitution, and ensire that there is parity and equality between genders in Kenya then wale watu wanasema ati wanawake hawapaswi kupatiwa nafasi ya uongozi kwasababu wako na sijui upungufu, hawana tofauti na wakoloni,” he said.

According to Mr. Ruto, some leaders want to deviate from what the Constitution yet the provision is not a mistake neither is it “sterile”.

He urged Jubilee MPs to support the Bill saying it will give a chance for more women to lead.

““We have seen a section of our leaders opposing the Bill as if they do not have women at home…We cannot leave others behind while engaging in the development discourse of our country,” he said.

Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni who had accompanied the DP is on record saying he will oppose the Bill as it would put more burden on Kenyan taxpayers.

“Already, Kenyans have been overburdened by so many elective posts.Why do we want to create more through the passing of the Bill? We should seek other alternative ways of having more women in power,” he said.

However, DP Ruto dismissed these sentiments and said leaders should stop burying their heads in the sand.

“Let no one try to intimidate women by denying them a chance in the representation. We have to accept reality and enable them to get more representation,” he said.