Gatabaki wants gov't to provide security for female governor candidates

Kiambu gubernatorial hopeful Mwende Gatabaki-Ndii has called on the government to provide security to female governor candidates on the campaign trail.

Ms. Gatabaki who is vying under a Safina Party ticket says that female politicians have been experiencing security challenges from rogue crowds as campaigns heat up ahead of the August 9 polls.

“Female candidates who have made it beyond party and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) clearance should be supported and provided with security. Some of us are facing security challenges while on the campaign trail, especially from hired goons and crowds,” she said in an interview with The Standard.

She cited CS Matiangi’s previous promise to aspiring female aspirants in elections that county commissioners and grassroots administrators will prioritise their security.

“Matiang’i had promised sometimes back that women candidates would be provided with security. When we started the campaigns we were urging the government to provide us with security to be able to mount our campaigns without fear and intimidation,” said Gatabaki.

CS Matiang’i in November said special attention will be given to women aspirants and specifically their protection against any form of intimidation or violence.

He instructed County Commissioners and other National Government Administration Officials (NGAOs) to create a database of all female aspirants and to map out their security needs.

“The maturity of our democracy will be tested on the level of participation of every voter and aspirant in the elections, including women and the vulnerable population,” Dr. Matiang’i said at the time.

A total of nine women have been cleared to contest for governor seats in various counties across the country.

Meanwhile, the Kiambu county boss seat has attracted Senator Kimani Wamatangi, former governor William Kabogo, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Thika Town MP Wainaina wa Jungle, Governor James Nyoro.