The government has assured women candidates vying for various elective positions of their security during the entire campaigning period, ahead of the August 9 general election.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Fred Matiang’i said all candidates irrespective of their gender status, have equal rights of vying for any elective seat, without any fear of intimidation in the country.
“Nobody should threaten or intimidate any woman seeking for elective seat, our constitution has guaranteed equal rights to all candidates,” said Matiang’i while addressing wananchi at Kikima Mixed Secondary School in Mbooni West Sub county Thursday, where he issued 26,588 title deeds.
“Even the voters have a right to choose whom to vote for without any blackmail from any quarters,” he added.
He reminded Kenyans that the times of looking down upon on women has long gone due to the progressive constitution that we have.
“As a country we have moved ahead in advocating for gender equality,” said the cabinet secretary.
Consequently, Matiang’i challenged the residents to choose leaders who will provide good governance and bring development to the citizens.
On famine, Matiang’i revealed that plans were in advanced stage to start a new programme in providing food relief to the residents, faced with starvation in the area.
He noted that all chiefs and deputy county commissioners have already embarked on a process of identifying the needy cases among families who deserve food relief.
“We have agreed with all deputy county commissioners and chiefs that they will identify the neediest cases in their areas of jurisdiction starting this weekend. The government will not want anybody to suffer because of hunger,” said Matiang’i.
Also present at the function included Makueni Governor Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Eastern Regional Commissioner Evans Achoki among other top government county officials.
By Patrick Nyakundi