NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 28 – National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei has called for safer elections, warning that political violence, intimidation and sexist attacks are driving many capable women away from politics.

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking at the Women Achievers Africa Conference and Awards (WAWCA 2026) in Nairobi on Tuesday, Shollei said toxic campaign environments and gender-based abuse continue to discourage qualified women from seeking elective office despite their leadership potential.

“There are many women who would make better politicians than me, but they are scared of the violence, the scrutiny and having their private lives exposed,” she said.

“When they want to attack a woman, they don’t challenge her ideas. They call her a prostitute, a drunkard or question her character.”

📌 What You Need to Know

Shollei said discussions are underway with the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, Harriet Chagai, on engaging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to strengthen enforcement of electoral codes of conduct and curb violence and abuse targeting female candidates.

She argued that women bring a more issue-driven and inclusive approach to campaigns, citing the recent Ol Kalou by-election, where she said her party, UDA, lost because of the manner in which the campaign was conducted rather than a rejection of President William Ruto.

“It was not a referendum against William Ruto. It was the manner in which we conducted the campaign,” she said, criticising cash-driven politics and arguing that greater involvement of women in campaign strategy would have produced a different outcome.

Shollei urged women aspiring to leadership not to be intimidated by political smear campaigns or online harassment, encouraging them to remain active in political parties and compete for elective positions despite the challenges.

WAWCA 2026 is a three-day summit bringing together women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and civil society actors from across Africa to discuss strategies for advancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment, governance and inclusive development.

The event culminates in an awards ceremony recognising women who have made significant contributions in public service, business, innovation and community development.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya