Women leaders urge IEBC and Parliament to curb attacks on female aspirants
Women leaders, aspirants and peace groups called on Parliament, the IEBC, security agencies and parties to act on political violence and campaign costs. They listed attacks and harassment in six counties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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…
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