Women Members of Parliament have warned that personal and gender-based attacks in Kenya’s political arena could discourage women from seeking elective positions, urging politicians to focus on policies, performance and ideas instead of attacking women leaders, their families and personal lives.
Led by Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris, the lawmakers said political disagreements should not become a platform for humiliating women or questioning their morality, sexuality and personal circumstances.
Speaking during a joint press conference at Main Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, the MPs said the concerns raised over remarks attributed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were part of a wider struggle to create a political environment where women can participate in leadership without intimidation.
“Our concern is the manner in which these disagreements have been expressed, particularly where women leaders, women spouses and women in vulnerable circumstances have been singled out, personally attacked, undermined or drawn into political confrontations,” the MPs said.
The lawmakers cited Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, who they said had accused Gachagua of repeatedly using degrading language against her, including calling her a “witch” and “malaya”.
They argued that such remarks go beyond political criticism and reinforce stereotypes that make it difficult for women to participate in public leadership on equal terms with men.
“Women leaders should be challenged on their policies, performance and ideas—not their morality, sexuality or womanhood,” they said.
The MPs also raised the April 17 incident involving Mwea MP Mary Maingi during a burial ceremony in Mwea. They said Gachagua, while addressing mourners by phone, described Maingi as a “traitor of the community” and accused her of supporting the Government.
The lawmakers said political allegiance was an individual choice and should not expose an elected woman to humiliation or personal attacks.
They also objected to the involvement of political spouses in political disputes, citing remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on August 23 over what he said was Gachagua’s repeated inclusion of his wife in political discourse.
“A woman is not a political weapon simply because she is married to a politician,” the MPs said.
The lawmakers further raised concerns over Gachagua’s August 21 visit to the family of the late former MP Johana Ng’eno in Mogondo. While acknowledging the importance of supporting bereaved families, they said widows and relatives should be allowed to decide how their private space is handled.
“A widow's grief is not weakness, her home is not political property and her consent must never be treated as optional,” they said.
The MPs also cited political exchanges involving Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, saying remarks attributed to Gachagua had been viewed as disrespectful and demeaning.
They said women should be free to make independent political decisions without being labelled disloyal or subjected to gender-based intimidation.
“Political independence is not betrayal, and disagreement is not disloyalty,” they said.
The lawmakers said the issue was bigger than the politicians involved, warning that the conduct of political leaders could shape how young women view participation in public leadership.
“Women have a right to lead without being punished for being women,” they said.
The MPs stressed that they were not asking for women leaders to be protected from political scrutiny, saying they should face the same level of accountability as their male counterparts.
“But criticize the policy, challenge the decision, question the performance, do not attack the woman's dignity, gender, family or vulnerability,” they said.
The lawmakers demanded that Gachagua publicly acknowledge and apologise for remarks and conduct they said had demeaned women leaders or drawn women spouses and families into political disputes.
They also called for an end to sexist and abusive political language and urged politicians to keep wives, children and other relatives out of political battles.
The MPs said Kenya’s political debate must mature ahead of future elections, with leaders competing on ideas, development records, accountability and solutions.
They pledged to remain united in defending the dignity, equality, autonomy and constitutional rights of Kenyan women.