Gloria Orwoba slams govt for reducing women to the kitchen
By Kiprono Keileb, August 14, 2025Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has launched a scathing attack on the government, criticising it for sidelining women in leadership positions and breaching the constitutional third gender rule.
Speaking on the matter during a talk show aired by a local radio station on Tuesday, August 14, 2025, Orwoba questioned recent appointments in public institutions, pointing to what she described as a deliberate failure to uphold gender balance in top leadership roles.
“Why are they nominating men in a position where they should be nominating women?” Orwoba asked, citing the recent developments at the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) as a prime example.
According to her, there was a clear challenge at the KHRC because the administration ignored the third gender rule. She explained that in positions where one gender is already represented, the other must be given the chance to ensure balance, as required by law.
“If a man is a Vice-chair, then it is automatic that you must nominate a woman,” she said.
The outspoken politician slammed the current administration for giving only lip service to gender equality while their actions told a different story.
“You can lie that this is what you want to do, but your action will show the world what you do,” she remarked.
Orwoba further criticised the portrayal of women in government communication and public relations imagery, saying the preferred images showed women in domestic roles rather than in positions of influence.
“This administration likes to reduce women to the kitchen. The photo they like to show of women is us cooking; there you can prosper,” she said.
Her remarks come amid a wider national debate on the enforcement of the third gender principle, a constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of positions in public bodies should be occupied by one gender.
For years, activists and legislators have accused successive governments of ignoring the rule, despite multiple court rulings and public pressure. Orwoba’s remarks add to the mounting criticism over the representation of women in both political and administrative spheres.
She concluded her statement with a reminder that intentions in governance cannot be hidden behind rhetoric.
“The truest measure of intent is reflected in your actions,” Orwoba emphasised.
The senator’s remarks are expected to spark heated discussions on gender representation, especially at a time when the country is grappling with questions about inclusivity, constitutional compliance, and the political will to empower women beyond symbolic gestures.