Women leaders, political aspirants and peace actors from across Kenya have raised concerns over rising political violence against women, The Star reported on Thursday. They also pointed to uncertainty over campaign financing rules ahead of the 2027 General Election. The joint statement came from the Democracy Trust Fund, Women Peace Actors, Women Leaders and Aspirants and the Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF).
ENAF Chief Executive Officer Dr Jennifer Riria named three priorities: transparent electoral reforms, an end to violence against women in politics and lower campaign costs. She urged Parliament and the Senate to ensure party nominations are fair and accessible. She also called for complaints mechanisms to protect aspirants from intimidation and exclusion. "Do you expect women to campaign fairly and peacefully in an environment that is hostile, infested with goons and characterised by high campaign costs? Of course not," she said.
The groups cited reported incidents in Kisii, Baringo, Kisumu, Meru, Nairobi and Homa Bay counties. In Kisii, Dr Jullie Nyamao was reportedly heckled and physically attacked at a political event. In Kisumu, woman representative aspirant Linda Ogweno reportedly faced an attack at a funeral in Nyamasaria on October 20. The groups also cited derogatory remarks and heckling in confrontations involving former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her associates.
In Nairobi, the leaders raised concerns over disrupted gatherings, online harassment and gender-based threats. In Homa Bay, they pointed to political violence in August that allegedly caused deaths, injuries and property damage. They also cited a reported attack involving parliamentary aspirant Agneta Mwangale.
Siaya aspirant Pollyne Awoko asked the IEBC and the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to resolve disputes impartially and on time. Kangema aspirant Dr Julia Chege said protecting women in politics is a shared national responsibility. She added that women should not be used to fight other women seeking leadership.
The concerns follow violence recorded in the 2022 election period. A report by the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) documented 1,746 cases of election-related sexual and gender-based violence across all 47 counties. Verbal abuse and hate speech made up 54 per cent of cases, and cyberbullying 23 per cent.
Similar calls were made at continental level on the same day. Vice President Jane Mayemu Ansah spoke virtually at a conference on gender and elections in Africa in Johannesburg. She urged reforms to electoral systems, party structures and campaign financing, according to Nyasa Times via AllAfrica.