Women under the movement of Women Aspirants Beyond Political Parties have accused one of the incumbent Members of the County Assembly seeking re-election through the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) of assaulting a woman aspirant at one of the functions within Kitale Municipality.
Addressing the media in Kitale, the women, led by human rights activist Immaculate Shamala, are asking the government through the Ministry of Interior and other agencies to ensure women aspirants are protected, especially during this campaign period, from attacks by their male aspirants.
Shamala has challenged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take action against such leaders spreading hate speech against others.
Shamala said women do not need favors in the political arena but rather free and fair nominations and campaigns.
She further urged the Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) to intervene, saying many aspiring women all over the country, including Trans Nzoia County, are being forced to step down for their male counterparts.
She also asked the RPP to question parties with no gender equality and equity when it comes to women and leadership.
Mike Musungu is a reporter at Radio Simba in Bungoma and a correspondent of Trans Nzoia County for the Western Kenya Times.
