A women’s lobby group has defended President William Ruto for failing to honour his election campaign pledge to give women 50 per cent of the Cabinet slots.

Speaking during a consultative forum yesterday, Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei said women’s appointments that Ruto has made were a clear indication he will eventually honour his pledge.

The forum organised by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights brought together professionals and civil society groups.

“Rather than attack the President, we should engage him more because at the end I am sure he will honour what he promised,”said Shollei, who is also Deputy Speaker.

She said the Kenya Kwanza government was committed to ensuring equal representation for women and said that gains in women’s rights would be achieved incrementally.

Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Hariette Chiggai thanked Ruto for creating the Cabinet-level office.

Key issues discussed at the workshop include health, economic empowerment, justice, and political representation.

Questions have been raised over Ruto’s Cabinet and State department appointments which have all failed to meet the gender threshold.

During the election campaigns, Ruto signed a charter with women at Nyayo Stadium, where he promised them 50 per cent of his Cabinet.

“I commit on behalf of Kenya Kwanza Alliance that we shall allocate 50 per cent of all Cabinet positions to the women of Kenya,” he said.