In a fiery exchange that has ignited debate on social media, former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi sharply rebuked nominated senator Gloria Orwoba over her assertion that patriarchy played a significant role in the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
The heated back-and-forth began when senator Orwoba, a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality, took to social media to claim that governor Mwangaza’s removal from office was driven more by entrenched patriarchal attitudes than the charges levelled against.
In a post on X on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Orwoba called on more women to join politics claiming is the only way that will stop patriarchy in Kenya.
“I keep shouting and I continue to shout about this: WOMEN IN KENYA NEED TO JOIN POLITICS! This is a numbers game, as long as we have minimum elected women, the patriarchy will never end and women leaders will always have it rough and unfair! This is the cross we bear” Orwoba wrote.
She added that Kawira’s impeachment was a clear demonstration of how patriarchy played its role in her downfall.
“Patriarchy is alive and well in Kenya. Kawira’s impeachment is proof that strong women leaders are still not welcome in politics,” she remarked.
Nelson Havi, known for his blunt commentary on legal and political matters, did not hold back in a rebuttal.
He quickly countered Orwoba’s claims with a biting response. Sarcastically questioning Orwoba’s authority to speak on the matter.
“Who elected you to speak for us?” Havi retorted – a pointed reference to Orwoba’s status as a nominated, rather than elected, senator.
The exchange has polarized opinion, with supporters of both figures weighing in. Some agree with Havi’s stance, arguing that governor Mwangaza’s impeachment was based on legitimate concerns over her conduct and governance style.
Others, however, have echoed Senator Orwoba’s sentiments, suggesting that gender bias played a role in the swift and decisive action taken against the governor.
Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who was impeached in a process marked by political intrigue and public scrutiny, has maintained her innocence and has challenged the decision in court.
Her supporters argue that she was targeted unfairly because of her gender and her unorthodox approach to leadership.
The Senate upheld her impeachment following a vote by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) in Meru County, a decision that has since been met with both praise and criticism.
Senator Orwoba’s claims of patriarchy influencing the impeachment process in the Senate have sparked a broader conversation about the challenges women in leadership face in Kenya.
Many women leaders like nominated Karen Nyamu have come forward to share their experiences of gender bias in politics, while others have called for a more nuanced discussion that separates legitimate legal processes from societal issues.
The debate over governor Mwangaza’s impeachment, and the role that gender may or may not have played, continues to rage on.
Meanwhile, Nelson Havi’s sharp retort to Senator Orwoba has only added fuel to the fire, making it clear that the intersection of law, politics, and gender in Kenya is as contentious as ever.