Hardly will Kenyans see their leaders pregnant or breastfeeding, but they do, just like millions of women in the country
The chemistry between the hundreds gathered at the Olkalao Catholic Church grounds and Naivasha town park could almost be felt especially when two women MPs that are heavy with baby took to the podium to speak.
Not shy of their growing belly’s, the women impressed the crowds with their oratory prowess and understanding of current affairs, irrespective of ‘the mummy brain state’ that is said to make many most pregnant women forget issues, easily.
The two MPs also had some form of super strength to sing, dance with their colleagues during the two Inua Mama, Jenga Taifa functions hosted by Nyandarua women representative Faith Gitau and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara.
Garissa women representative Anab Gure left the crowds in stitches when she confessed that when God blesses her with a baby boy, she would name her Ruto – in honour of Deputy President William Ruto. MP Kihara said that the women were praying that she indeed gives birth to a bouncing baby boy.
Laikipia women representative Cate Waruguru is also expecting a baby, but oblivious to many her pregnancy is still not very visible. When she (Cate) spoke in Nyandarua, she spoke for a straight eight minutes on diverse issues without repeating or contradicting herself.
MP Waruguru spoke about Nyandarua politics, Laikipia politics, national politics, the agenda of Inua Mama…among other issues, until the host, MP Gitau had to stand up and signal her to end. That is how energetic she remains.
MP Waruguru went ahead to speak, again, in the next Naivasha meeting about land issues and the development of roads.
Martha Wangari is just back to work from maternity leave
Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who joined Inua Mama on 11th October 2019 after her maternity break, said the day coincided with the international celebrations of the girl child. She said that girls should not be ashamed of having menses, and even challenged men to buy pads for their girls when that time of the month comes.
“Men should not feel embarrassed buying sanitary towels for their girls. When that time of the month comes, as a man, boldly take Sh100 and go buy sanitary towels for her. Let our girls feel proud of maturing and not embarrassed,” she said.
Women in Leadership continue speaking out on issues affecting women and girls, especially after a girl in Bomet County committed suicide after getting her monthly period and staining her dress.
By having more women in Parliament through affirmative action, and elective politics, women are rising in leadership positions, and the issues affecting women and girls are being brought to the forefront.
