That is a little unfair, there’s always groups privileged within oppressive orders that stand, not irrationally, against impending emancipation.  What liberty itself means will always be a subjective, highly controversial matter, just consider the debate on the hijab or polygamy for head-spinning examples.

This does not take away from the fact that the comfort that the familiar, the customary, supplies is often very difficult to let go of, especially when it is supported by age old customs, breaking with which may cause one to incur the heaviest social sanction. This sanction does not exclude the disapproval of those dearest and nearest to them, such as the honor killings suffered by women in many parts of the Middle East.

Against this background, as we saw in parliament last week, women across the world continue to fight their case against oppressive structures.

Nominated ODM MP Millie Odhiambo refused a place among the bouquets of shrinking violets.  Flaming in parliament this week against city lawyer Cecil Miller’s nomination for the headship of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission, she argued the incident of violence against his wife ought to lead to his automatic disqualification from officiating at or heading so lofty and controversial a position as the chairmanship of the IIEC.

As a result of Ms Odhiambo’s intervention, the Kenyan public will be compelled to a discussion on the rights of women, and whether those who are known to have infringed on these rights, and specifically to have beaten their wives, ought not to suffer the same prohibitions on serving in public office as do murderers, rapists and the bankrupt. 

It is tragic that we do not have a moral code in this country. Critics of Ms Odhiambo’s intervention have pointed to the extremely violent nature and history of her sponsor party, and to the fact that its list is populated by characters of a far more odious predisposition than Miller, murderers, peculators and yes, even a callous, publicly shamed wife-beating MP from Western Province. Ms Odhiambo’s very home province, one which she shares with her party chief, has been transformed by a violent, macho politics into one of the least woman friendly in the country. Attitudes towards women there persist as the most backward in the country. An incredible 79% of women there believe violence against women to be justified for transgressions as minor as burning of food. Clearly, there’s a lot of work to do here.

So perhaps Ms Odhiambo is insincere in her protestations, but this does not or ought not to detract from the validity of her argument, that senior public officials should be persons of sound if not unimpeachable moral standing. It does not diminish at all the fact that as a country aiming for equal representation of women in all spheres of public life, and lagging far behind our neighbors, including war-torn Somalia, accepting a man who has been charged with violence against women as the head of our Electoral Commission –especially considering the significance of vicious sexism in our electoral system- sends a very disheartening message to activists for women’s rights across the country.

Her cry is not just interesting for what it means for the public debate on women’s rights, but more for the drive towards a more accountable public leadership. We cannot elevate men of questionable character to high office, and then express outrage when they break the law or otherwise flout some expected standard of behavior. Our acclamation of them, our contribution to their political efforts is a tacit endorsement of their conduct.

If we believe a leader unsuitable, even odious, let us protest prior to his selection or election. As recent experience has shown, the courts, parliament and even public opprobrium are of little use in pushing them out after they are sworn in and enjoying the trappings of the high office we have given to them.