Kisumu women MCAs insist on having bodyguards

By DENNIS ONYANGO

Kisumu, KENYA: Kisumu Women County Assembly members have renewed their quest for bodyguards over claims their life is in danger. The MCAs said the recent incident in which their Homa Bay colleague, Kibiri ward representative Boaz Odhiambo was shot dead by armed criminals has sent a chill down their spines.

Nominated member Farida Salim said the legislative role they play pit them against the local leaders and urged the National Government to expedite the process of ensuring their safety. “If our male counterpart was killed under such an unclear circumstance, we are more vulnerable given that we are women,” Ms Salim said. Carolyne Owen of Kisumu North Ward said they are endangered because of their oversight role. Carolyne Agwanda, who represents persons with disabilities, said they could not take their security for granted following their vulnerability. Malin Akinyi of Kobura Ward narrated how unknown people went to her office and threatened her with death.

The county’s Majority Leader Samuel Ong’ow supported the call by the MCAs, saying they play similar roles like MPs who have bodyguards and are at times allowed to own guns. “We are closer to locals than MPs. We handle similar tasks in the county the same way they do in the National Assembly and must therefore be given security guards,” he said.

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