Women Aspirants Making inroads as they face threats

Although it is widely believed that women aspirants for the upcoming General elections will not meet the Constitutional threshold that dictates that no more than two thirds of one gender should occupy appointive or electoral positions, it seems that women are making inroads given the rising number of threats a number of women aspirants are facing.
       Atieno Otieno  vying for Governors seat in Kisumu county is one of the women who have this week received threats to drop their bid. Atieno has been told to drop her Governorship bid or be the next.  Apparent reference to the late Shem Onyango Kwega who was seeking a parliamentary seat in Kisumu,  shot in the head yesterday.  (Monday 29 October 2012).    Less than a fortnite ago she gave an impressive performance on an NTV debate for politicians seeking Governorship hosted by Linus Kai kai. Some of the other aspirants interviewed included Jack Ranguma, Rhoda Ahonobadha, Billy Kariaga, Ojwang Kombudho and Barrack Owiti. 

Atieno Otieno during a workshop organised for women aspirants by TUVUKE/AMWIK

       Pascaliah Makonjio seeking a  Member of Parliament seat for Nambale Constituency Busia has had to look for extra security.  Since she declared her candidacy she has received numerous threats.  She says her development record in impeccable and she has done more the the people there than most leaders.  She suspects that threats are due to the fact that she is not born there and also since she is outspoken about contentious issues around the sugar industry and tuff wars between two sugar companies.