MP Campaigns Against 'Slay Queens' Entering Parliament

alfred kiura

November 20, 2018 5:45 PM

An MP has vowed to shoot down the two-third Gender Bill citing 'slay queens' as part of the reason.

Members of the National assembly at Parliament

As all eyes were turned on the National Assembly on Tuesday for the Second Reading of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2018, a vocal MP vowed to campaign against the proposal.

Kimilili lawmaker Didmus Barasa urged women to step up and support each other to compete with men for the seats already available in Parliament.

Slay Queens

The vocal legislator argued that 'slay queen' who have ambitions of joining the National Assembly will take this as an opportunity to enter Parliament.

The MP who spoke to Pulselive.co.ke stated: "This bill deprives the Kenyan people their right to chose who represent them...Party leaders rewards loyalties and girlfriends."

Barasa noted that even some women MPs would not support the Bill which he compared to a slay queen whose work is to be handed positions that they have not earned.

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The Kimilili MP challenged the House Majority leader, stating that he will rally his counterparts to shoot down the bill adding that Parliament should be filled with women who will not only add value.

He said that if the Bill was to be passed it should be inclusive and cater to the different women the country has to offer, not only the high ranking women but also the common mwananchi who understand the day to day struggles the country is facing.

Formula

Additionally, Barasa noted that the Bill does not provide a formula on how the women will be nominated adding that the way party nominations happen should be changed because some use their influence to get seats.

Barasa further stated that increasing the number of legislators was worrying as it would counter efforts to reduce the wage bill.

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According to the Kimilili MP, the only seats which should be guarded are for people living with disabilities and the youth.

"The Bill doesn't seek to repeal Article 97 section C to make it clear that this 12 nominations provided for in the constitution should be reserved for gender top up. It is giving room for the likes and or the equal of Sossion, Otsosi to find themselves in Parliament," he concluded.

alfred kiura