Scrapping 'Woman Rep' post a bad idea, says MP Wamuchomba

Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has weighed in on the ongoing discussion about the potential removal of the Woman Representative positions.

In a statement released on Sunday, June 8, 2025, Wamuchomba disagreed with calls to eliminate the role.

She emphasized that the position has played a crucial role in advancing many women’s political careers, serving as an important platform for their growth and development in the political arena.

She also highlighted how her tenure as Kiambu Women Representative gave her the political experience and visibility that propelled her to victory in the Githunguri parliamentary race.

"Many who tagged me in the ‘scrap the Women Rep position’ debate asked for my honest view. I am a product of an Affirmative Action seat in 2017. Back then, I lacked significant political influence. That role became my springboard to bounce back in 2022, and by God’s grace, I succeeded," said Wamuchomba.

"I was elected through a competitive race in a single constituency, defeating male opponents but that doesn’t make me a man! I’m a woman who earned the trust of the voters," she explained.

Defending the Woman Representative position, Wamuchomba urged voters to make thoughtful choices at the ballot box.

Taking a subtle jab at some lawmakers criticized for underperforming, she encouraged the electorate to prioritize candidates with strong leadership skills over those relying on superficial qualities, such as looks or dancing ability, to win support.

"Don’t eliminate the position of women representatives it serves as a vital gateway for many women who go on to become successful MPs and governors," Wamuchomba asserted.

"But please, don’t elect ‘cake matrons’ and ‘dance hall queens’ and expect them to deliver."

The debate over scrapping the Woman Representative position gained significant attention during the Gen-Z-led protests in June 2024 and intensified amid a rise in femicide cases across the country.

Critics questioned the effectiveness of women representatives, pointing to their silence as violence against women persisted.

This fueled calls from some quarters to abolish the role altogether.

Others argued that maintaining 47 Woman Representative seats placed an unnecessary financial strain on taxpayers.

As the 2027 elections approach, Kenyans are expected to keep voicing their opinions on the relevance and future of various political positions in the country.