Dr. Ojiambo Tosha!
written by mosaisi , February 09, 2007

Julia knows why she was nominated as MP. In 2006 alone she brought 3 bills to to Bunge. They are:

1) Cotton Bill
2) Nutrionists and Dieticians Bill
3) The Supplies Practitioners Management Bill

Most MPs are knows to be the best complainers outside parliament yet in the house their records stink. It is common to hear them say, the government should do this, the governemnt hasn't done that. etc.

We should for once seek action and not empty words.

...
written by Stephen Wanyama , February 09, 2007

Ngilu has also had a remarkable career in Bunge, and a commendable term as Health Minister. True there has been a problem here and there but she has shown both independence and zeal in fighting for the wananchi!

Apologies to the writer, but this piece does come off as a little misogynistic.

wow
written by Amina , February 09, 2007

The only reputation acquired by the former three is that they were, apparently made of ‘iron'.

because according to society they were built like men!!

Apologies to the writer, but this piece does come off as a little misogynistic.

a little? I actually don't follow the argument. What you are saying is that women do not have "special" qualities to be leaders, right? that they are not any different from men? well, if that is your argument, then they should just run for office since men are already at it!! And if the female leaders that you have mentioned have failed, have they failed as women or as leaders? What about all the men, all over the world, who have failed as leaders? See, leaders are individuals, not a race, religion, tribe or gender.

Arttoney
written by Kobangoshe , February 10, 2007

The question of a Woman president in Kenya is something worth considering. However, the social perspective may not favor such consideration, and that's perhaps the biggest challenge that we would face as a country.

To me, it's not so much of a woman president, but rather who the woman is and what are her qualities, even measured in relative terms to the men candidates. Some would be much better than just any man, hence the specificity.

...
written by emmo opoti , February 10, 2007

Nice to see you Koba,
Kenya does not need a female President, what it needs is sound leadership and a culture of service. Perhaps it is the notion that women as mothers and nurturers are more likely to be embodiments of this spirit of service that creates the perception that they would make for better leaders.

The trouble is that in a paternalistic world, even female leaders are not allowed to be themselves (it's not just female leaders but any leaders). Witness for example how warlike Hillar Clinton ( some would say she has always been evil) has had to become to prove that she is just as capable as any man. This complex that female leaders suffer may even be detrimental to their overall leadership.

That said, in Kenya and in our neighbouring countries as well, women have shown that they can hold their own against men and as has been said above, Ngilu has shown more genuine concern for the common mwananchi than any Kenyan leader I can remember in a long time.

P.S, I do think the article teeters on misogyny, but the views are not in themselves noxious- just points for debate.

...
written by Angela Wairimu , February 10, 2007

The article IS misogynistic and anachronistic. We should properly have ignored it. However there is reason to have faith. Ngilu, Ojiambo, etc may not have a chance of being president, but they are pushing these barriers down so that when Amina, or myself try in 30 years, things will be much easier.

Kobangoshe,
There are countless examples of Kenyan women in leadership ositions in the traditional setting. The manner in which Ngilu's candidature was received also shows that Kenyans are not hostile to the idea, many infact were very excited by it.

Pointless article
written by MainaT , February 10, 2007

Kenya just needs a good decisive, delivery-oriented leader. Period.

Abdul Mote.
written by Honey , February 10, 2007

No comment.

Kenya needs a service oriented leader.
One who knows their duty is to serve the electorate.

...
written by abdulmote , February 11, 2007

It is interesting to note some of the reactive responses jotted down over here. Hold your matches I would say though, for misogynist I say I am not, neither was the subject article meant to be!

Gladly however, may I thank Kobangoshe for his apt summary of what I wanted to state above and may I say welcome to kenyaimagine as we welcome your noble views.

To be honest, I personally find the term 'Misogynist' somehow 'exciting' and interesting, but that is without atttaching my thinking to its literal meaning! "Misogynist"...sounds rather cool or perhaps macho...but no...I don't particularly 'hate women'!

On the contrary, I really do love them and always wish they could excell in everything human, whether it is the domestic care they willingly and uniquely give to mankind, or it is any kind of leadership they may strive to engage themselves in for the good of us all.

Going back to the subject topic, my concern does not stem out of the percieved 'misconseption' some may have concluded to be the centre of my observation, but rather on the actual 'misconseption' many may posses regarding the need to have a 'woman' per se in the position of leadership.

Ponder the 'affirmative action' which impressively the Kenyan women are pressing for; one cannot simply avoid to think what such a campaign may lead us to or in fact demand of us, that such an action be pursued and vigorously so, based on the premise that it is a necessary way of addressing the gender imbalance, or maybe a better alternative to what men can provide! Whilst I am not disputig the fact that indeed women have been traditionally marginalised and in fact continue to be so in various public sectors, I am not at all convinced that by simply 'allowing' women in positions of leadership will in itself bring about the change every one should indeed desire for the whole of society and not just women and as gender class on its own.

My point of contention then is as what Kobangoshe has nicely stated above, that "it's not so much of a woman president, but rather who the woman is and what are her qualities, even measured in relative terms to the men candidates. Some would be much better than just any man,..." Otherwise to insist on looking at the topic issue any other way, is to willingly turn a blind eye to the potential gapping hole some may try to use as a route to penetrate the 'system' for the sake of their own individual and manipultaive agenda but in the name of women, hence my outcry.

In otther words, just like many who seem to agree under this topic, that what Kenyans need is a service oriented leadership, be it from either gender, and then indeed, where a woman happens to fit such a criteria, even the need for 'affirmative action' becomes absolutely unnecessary.

not yet time!
written by acolyte , February 11, 2007

I think one's gender shouldnt be the main thing that qualifies them for leadership. There are bad leaders irregardless of gender. As for a Kenyan woman president, what have the women MPs in power really done to further the lot of the woman on the street?
Another good example of Kenyan women's track record in leadership is MYWO that organisation is a mess, they even forgot to have elections 2 years in a row and almost lost their property, Maendeleo House. If that is the best that Kenyan women have to offer then I think the have to shape up real fast!

...
written by aeichener , February 12, 2007

Have weeded out a few one-liners, for this is not the Nation forum, but more akin to a "letters to the editor" section.
Speak your opinion frankly whatever it may be, but argue it and discuss with the original article's statements or with other contributors.

Alexander as editor

Yes! bu she gotta be pretty
written by John Ongeri , February 12, 2007

Demokrasia means that we are free to discuss anything and everything. I wonder sometimes if that's such a good thing.

It seems that I have accidentally entered a cyber karumaindo, judging from the debate going on. What the hell is going on in our minds today?

Are we discussing "wimin" as if they are some 2nd class citizenry....the way colonial folk talked about the servants, even as they were pouring the wine....as if they were not there...The way parents talk about their kids? Are they indeed to be seen and not heard? I honestly thought we were in 2007.

I would like y'all to substitute "african men" in all the stories above and see where I am coming from.

Since we are here might I suggest which woman I would vote for:

She would have to have big round eyes, a captivating smile and a warm embrace. She would preferably be from a minority group, Not the usual power barons; also better if she were a single mother and maybe even gay. If she were white.....that would be something too.

But most of all She would have to posses a strong arm to whip all our little sexist minds into shape.

sue me

Do we need an affirmative acti
written by abdulmote , February 12, 2007

This debate naturally then leads me to the next question; would affirmative action, as agitated for in our political front bring about a positive outcome than otherwise would have been? Such a proposal obviously follows an established argument and fact, that women have always been marginalised, descriminated against and even commonly subjugated by men's whims. But that is not to say all that gender imbalance can be reversed by having one of their own in the positions of leadership as argued by the affirmative action proposal. Through this I see a political campaign, just like all the other scavenging sharks in our political world, to grab a slice of their individual own as soon as the opportunities avail themselves and that is my fear.

why we need a female president
written by athush , February 12, 2007

(iskandar, well congratualtions! my comment was indeed relevant)

A woman always puts her own needs aside.(Unlike men whose top priority is me myself and i) she is driven by natural-dep-rooted-instincts, that make *her* first and foremost priority caringfor others....

Given that we do not have a penis, there would be no wars....(lol) because it all comes down to who has a bigger one....men are just big boys who thinking boasting and prove who's more powerful(saddam/bush) is their sole purpose duniani....why do countries parade their weapons?(tanks, missiles etc)

There would be no debates about whether or not having kenya was ready to have an un-cut or cut president....and maybe for once, a femal president will get rid of fgm....

A woman's most high god-given talent that men lack completely is *multi-tasking*!!!!! If we elected one today, kenya would be a first world tomorrow.....

Aliis inserviendo consumor
written by aeichener , February 12, 2007

Athush, your last comment after Abdulmote was not erased by me. I think it was indeed pertinent to the debate. But we are an editorial team here.

Now to your points. Firstly, the social constraints that existing patriarchy places upon women (breeding and feeding e.g.), make sure that they indeed often act altruistically, and are frequently abused and exploited. It is not an innate characteristic of their sex, of course, but rather a gender role.

Secondly, it's not really Freudian penis envy that drives male aggression and competitiveness; if I were not satisfied with my size, I would still be content to know I have two very useful and adaptable hands. Nevertheless, much unsubstantial crap and vain chest-thumping would be taken out of the public debate if more women were leading.

Lastly, as to multi-tasking: what can I say except for a resounding "RIGHT!". Of course it's true. What Kenya needs, is not a woman "leading" the nation. Only lemmings need liidahsheep, to find the nearest fjord, where to drown themselves. What Kenya needs, is a woman "serving" the nation. Serving with dignity and pride. This is exactly what German chancellor Angela Merkel said when she had taken (maneuered and wrestled) the power out of the hands of all her vain male rivals. And I believe she truly meant and means it. Whereas her predecessor mostly served his own very male ego.

Alexander

losing track
written by acolyte , February 12, 2007

It seems to me that this debate is degenerating into essentialisation. Basically men are bad while women are good. That is why women should lead and men fall back. Plus irregardless of merit, since women have been held back they should now be put into positions of power via affirmative action.
Women are the majority voters in Kenya today, if they wanted to; they could put the right people in power without having to put up with men's flawed ideas.

Wow
written by Hon , February 12, 2007

Gentlemen: Equal rights is not special rights, dig it?

...
written by Josh , February 12, 2007

This is a baseless argument. Do you mean to say women can't lead? Both men and women should have equal chances at getting elected and leading. What special powers as a man do you possess that bests all women?

PS. I haven't read any of the other comments and I am reacting directly to the writer's thoughts.

...
written by emmo opoti , February 12, 2007

In the name of equality, women should have special rights. Affirmative action for women sets right historic wrongs, and is the only way to triumph over the massive barriers that women face in societies like ours.

I was reading a report once, I will look for it, that states that African women are responsible for two-thirds of the continets GDP. Let's not be too cowardly to admit that which stares us in the face.

...
written by abdulmote , February 13, 2007

emmo, I readily agree with your observation that women are indeed our 'breadwinners' when it comes to that. And certainly right you are about the need for affirmative action in their favor that it may "set right historic wrongs"! But again, in my view, such a positive drive should have its appropriate and deserving limits and only that.

For a fact, I do know that women have been descriminated against in various human sectors and have been deliberately maligned at the expense of men, and that ought to be positively reversed. Should I state that I have indeed been trying in my own capacity within my own domestic level to do just that, simply because I know it is important and it critically matters for the good of us all. But when it comes to some leadership positions, especially political in nature, then I am certainly reluctant to apply the same rules.

The reason is simple; when it comes to political/leadership positions, I am of the opinion that nature ought to be allowed to take its cause. Affirmative Action in this instance can even turn out to be more harmful than otherwise intended! For instance, why should anyone be encouraged to vote for someone who MAY fall as a second choice of representation, simply because of the need for affirmative action eh? Why can't the voters rightfully and democratically so, be allowed to vote for who they think is their best choice of representative in this competetive world of affairs? What if it happens that the only female candidate available is not upto the mark as desired? This is not a case of allocating educational opportunity in school you know, or an opportunity to work in certain fields or public services, or allocation of a business startup package and where the provision for "equal opportunities" really matters. Here we are talking of positions of leadership or "service" for that matter which indeed have the potential to affect all, men and women, children and the elderly. Positions which indeed may even be dangerous to allocate to possible 'seconds' simply because the people have to endorse the 'necessary' affirmative action that they may seem to strike a balance of 'choosing' and not necessarily of choice! (please note the word "possible" before anyone shoots me!)

The electorate.
written by Honey , February 13, 2007

'Burden of beast' is much more in tune when it comes to the african woman.

I will attempt to tackle your last paragraph Mr. Mote where you give reason for not extrapolating affirmative action in politics. I agree. However, I think one must consider the xtics of the electorate we are talking about.

In most parts of Africa, voters lack civil education, are impoverished, and ignorant too (aplogies to those bothered). These people dont know what is good for them. I also know women will understand this people better, as opposed to men. In Kenya from Jan to Dec, men are politicking. Okay, they talk too much and do much less.

Tell me any male MP who can boast a record like Beth Mugo's?.

...
written by a guest , February 22, 2007

We should put Ngilu to task after the report of Hospital disparities was revealed by the The Parliamentary Committee on Health. For instance, it is stated that Embu Hospital has 3 botched up x-ray machines. Patients have to go to Nairobi to use X-ray facilities. The same hospital is lacking in the ICU and theater while a place like Kitui Hospital is 'overstuffed'.

...
written by a guest , February 22, 2007

Ah, I see finger pointing! If Kitui has more patients, is it not only logical to have more stuff there?

Why does embu need exray machines when the need is negligible?

...
written by Kobangoshe , July 22, 2007

By now its pretty obvious that political parties that stand from the crowd, do not anticipate having women as potential candidates for the presidency. Why do I say so?

Prof Julie Ojiambo, apart from her proven abilities as a mother, wife and leader, she is also strode in the academia road with excellent results. Many men, who would not even pronounce her name correctly would not take her for their president. Reason being that she is a woman, and it's not time for them, according to a commonly shared wisdom.

Charity Ngilu, is equally a very able woman, mother and I believe wife, nothwithstanding any unverified insinuations you may have heard. She may not be well traveled along the academic road, but she is done enough to be what she is. In fact, if you recall, SDP tried to push her out when Prof. Anyang Nyong and Dr. Apollo Njonjo declared 'no university degree no presidency' in terms of SDP then. Today, SDP is one of those long dead parties just like NDP and others.

What Kenya needs is a good political leader, and gender is not a factor when it comes to qualities of a good leader. Decisiveness is good but it also needs to be in the right things and targeted. Hands all over type of leadership is extremely dengerrous and we have been through it, and know only too well how it impacted on development of a nation. Public popularity is exciting but that alone is not sufficient basis to warrant leadership positions. One must be sober and creative, able to listen and do what is right with no emotional dictates. One must have an independent mind, analytical and tactical. One must also be firm and confident without succumbing to external presures, especially when they do not work in the best interest of the country and her people. One must also know when to be stubborn and unpredictable.

Might I also say, we can not for sure expect physiological similarities or parity between men and women. So, if that is what bothers some, I am saying sorry up front, because that is of no consequence.

Service, not servitude!
written by aeichener , July 23, 2007

The Common Negro adoring Liidaahsheep once again.

I have however chosen not to delete Kobangoshe's comment, because it is such a nice declaration of bankruptcy. Some people simply need a yoke on their neck and a whip on their back, to be content.

And now go prosternate and kiss feet. But don't vomit over the shoes, will you? That would not be a way to behave towards one of your betters.

Alexander