Kilifi women accuse ODM of discriminating against Jumwa over her gender

Zawadi urged ODM to reverse the decision to remove Jumwa from the party. [Photo, Standard]

Women in Kilifi County expressed their displeasure over the expulsion of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa from her ODM Party.

Speaking during the International Women’s day at Ganze trading Centre Kilifi county nominated senator Christine Zawadi faulted the move by ODM to expel Jumwa from the party terming it an affront to women of this country.

“It was not right for Jumwa to be expelled from ODM. I am not a member of ODM but I believe Jumwa was expelled because of her gender. This is very inhuman and clearly demonstrates how women are mistreated and denied justice in the country,” said Zawadi.

She added: I am condemning the act by ODM party. If Jumwa went against the constitution of the party I believe there are other internal mechanisms that could have been used to address the matter.

Zawadi said it is time for Coast leaders to come together and digest on the happenings of events in the region.

“Today is Jumwa and tomorrow will be another leader. We in Kilifi has for long been yarning to have a leader who can be a national figure that can be listened to. Whatever happened raises a lot of questions,” she said.

Zawadi urged ODM to reverse the decision to remove Jumwa from the party.

Kilifi women representative Getrude Mbeyu said the national assembly has few women MPs and the expulsion of Jumwa will derailtheir effort to fight for the rights of women.

“We have tried to rally members to pass the gender Bill without success. This shows clearly the challenge in numbers we have as women in the assembly. ODM should allow Jumwa to enjoy the rights to association and freedom of speech as enshrined in the constitution. There are other ways the issue can be resolved,” said Mbeyu

Former Mombasa deputy governor Hazel Katana said its time for the region to come together and defend Jumwa.

“As we celebrate the women’s day today we need to claim our rightful position in the politics of this country. We need to stand up and say no to such treatment. Why did ODM choose to expel only Jumwa and forgive Dori? This shows how women are disregarded in this country.

Magarini MCA Elina Mbaru said Jumwa delivered so much to ODM Party and the decision to remove her from the party was not well advised.

Mbaru said women from the county will not sit down and watch the party mistreat Jumwa.

“We will walk with Jumwa even to the shadow of death. She may have her own flaws but she is a leader elected by thousands of people. It is not fair for a few people to sit and decide for the people of Malindi,” said Mbaru.

She termed Jumwa as a hardworking MP among others who goes beyond boundaries to deliver to her elects

Mbaru urged Kilifi governor Amason Kingi who is the Kilifi county ODM chairman to intervene on the matter