Kisumu County Deputy Speaker Nereah Okombo addressing the media in Kisumu. Faith Matete Members of the Kisumu County Assembly have called on the Council of Governors to intervene and compel James Orengo to publicly apologise over remarks directed at Gladys Wanga, terming them offensive, unconstitutional and demeaning to women leaders.
Led by Kisumu County Assembly Deputy Speaker Nereah Okombo, the MCAs said the remarks violated constitutional provisions on leadership and integrity and risked undermining women's participation in politics.
Speaking during a press briefing, Okombo said Governor Orengo, being a senior lawyer and one of the leaders who participated in the making of the 2010 Constitution, should understand the responsibilities attached to public office.
“Under the Constitution and the County Governments Act, governors are bound by Chapter Six on leadership and integrity. When the conduct of one governor brings the office of the governor and devolution into disrepute, the Council of Governors has a duty to intervene and enforce standards,” she said.
Okombo argued that the sentiments attributed to Orengo contravened Article 73 of the Constitution, which states that authority assigned to a state officer is a public trust to be exercised in a manner that demonstrates respect for the people, brings honour and dignity to the office and promotes confidence in the integrity of the office.
She further accused Orengo of violating provisions of the Leadership and Integrity Act, the Public Officer Ethics Act and the Mwongozo Code of Governance by allegedly using gender-based insults against a fellow leader.
“Gender insults and sexual taunts are the opposite of the courtesy and respect expected from a holder of public office. Such statements erode public confidence and discourage women from seeking leadership positions,” she said.
The Deputy Speaker called on the Council of Governors to urgently convene a meeting to mediate between the two governors and issue a stern warning against what she termed as attacks on women leaders.
“We are not taking it kindly that a whole governor could leave his area of jurisdiction and go to another county just to insult a fellow governor. Honourable Orengo must publicly apologise to the women of Kenya and to Governor Gladys Wanga for violating the Constitution and abusing the office he holds,” she added.
South West Kisumu MCA Jennifer Obonyo said women leaders across the country were angered by the remarks and insisted that women have equal capability to lead.
“We are not happy as women leaders over such utterances. Orengo is trying to scare women away from political leadership, but we will not agree to that. Women have the capability to lead and serve,” she said.
Obonyo added that leaders should respect women regardless of political differences.
“You cannot just wake up and utter such words against women leaders. Such remarks show disrespect to women across the country, including those in your own household. We will not be intimidated out of politics,” she said.
Kaloleni Shaurimoyo MCA Caren Ajwang also condemned the remarks, saying disagreements in politics should not degenerate into personal or gender-based insults.
“Such utterances should not come from a leader of Orengo’s stature. Leaders may differ politically, but that should never warrant insults against women. Women across the country want an apology,” she said.
