Despite global advances recognizing the principle of women’s political, economic and social equality, ageism, vulgarity and sexism have recently been part of Kenyan women political stump.
In the country, politics and leadership are often perceived as a dangerous undertaking, primarily associated with men and unsuitable for women.
Formidable women who have made a demonstrated the tenacity and a thick skin to soak up or deal blows to rivals with the cunning and cold calculation so central to the game gave way to other female leaders creating an opportunity to battle with male counterparts.
However, female leaders have abused the chance by bringing shame creating unhealthy politics as they have been seen to use verbal utterances and body to woo voters during political rallies.
In Eldoret nominated senator Millicent Omanga took to the podium and twerked in front of the crowd raising questions if women in leadership position are helping as promised to address the larger problems of the society or rather, they are contributing new ideas to the dialogue?
In Malindi, Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa refers to herself as ‘mama kiuno’ she is sensually gyrated, she further stated “when you see my waist know everything is fine, (mkiona changu apa mjue mambo ni nyee)” she said.
Additionally, aspiring Nairobi Senator, Karen Nyamu used figurative language while campaigning at a rally stating that “nimetumwa na warembo wote wanataka chuma imesimama” she said.
Nyamu found herself at the receiving end of Kenyans on social media, who called her out for the remarks she made at a recent United Democratic Alliance (UDA) rally.
She further stated she had no apologies to make about her remarks, saying UDA supporters were okay with her sentiments.
Catherine Wanjiku Waruguru, the Laikipia Woman Representative, unless you are ready for verbal attacks that may focus on anything about you crossing her path if you are ready to feature.
Waruguru set guns blazing at former Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mwangi Kiunjuri where she revealed intimate details of his life from political, financial and further.
She extensively criticized Kiunjuri embarrassing him on national television,“ I am the one who chooses whom to get children with,” she declared.
Waruguru has perfected the art of hitting below the belt as the former CS is not the only male leader who has received verbal cross-fire Laikipia East MP Deddy Mohamed Ali and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed also had a few tackles thrown his way by the first-term MP, who barked: “He is not my size.”
This is however contrary to the women leaders who first in the political scene, they could be termed as positively influential leaders.
The women with plenty of iron in their backs Pushed into politics by what she has termed as “the repression” of the Kanu years, Martha Karua started as the champion for democracy as a member of the Law Society of Kenya in the 80s.
Karua is credited for the implementation of the Water Act 2002 from the time she served as Minister of Water Resources Management and Development, a move that accelerated the pace of water reforms and service provision in the country.
It is this unapologetic boldness that has shaped Karua’s reputation as a no-pushover over the years.
Out of all the women deep in political battles, Beatrice Elachi was in the trenches. Even though she is famously known for a tussle with Governor Mike Sonko and some of the Nairobi MCAs who demanded she steps down as speaker, her journey in politics spans more than a decade.
The story of Charity Ngilu always starts far into her adult life when she took the bold decision to be the first women to vie for a presidential seat in 1997 on a Social Democratic Party(SDP) ticket. Ngilu came out fifth behind the Late Kijana Wamalwa and ahead of notable figures like Martin Shikuku, George Anyona and even Koigi wa Wamwere.
SDP was a party of luminaries such as Prof Peter Anyang Nyong and Apollo Njonjo.
Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Glady Boss Shollei took to the limelight over issues she would not want to remember.
Shollei left the Judicial Service Commission over a Sh1.2-billion controversy
Shollei displayed her tenacity while dealing with the case lodged by the Judiciary where she stood her ground and even challenged the EACC.