The leadership of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake in Kisumu County has called for a special delegates’ meeting to address allegations surrounding the organisation’s governance, finances, land ownership and leadership in Kisumu. 

The MYWO said the issues cited above should be resolved through the organisation’s constitutional structures rather than in the court of public opinion.

Speaking during a press briefing on June 26, 2026, Kisumu County Chairperson Caren Akech said she had taken note of the allegations made through media reports, press conferences, and public statements, describing them as serious matters that require factual responses rather than speculation.

“The allegations deserve answers, not speculations, not propaganda, not rumours, and not trial by media,” she said. 

She announced a special delegates’ meeting, scheduled for July 2, 2026, which will bring together 350 elected delegates representing all wards in Kisumu County to deliberate on the concerns that have recently dominated social media. 

Akech said the delegates are the legitimate representatives of grassroots women across the County and deserve an opportunity to receive accurate information, ask questions, and participate in democratic decisions affecting the organisation.

She pledged to provide comprehensive responses to every issue raised publicly and said her explanations would be supported by documentary evidence.

“In this meeting, I will comprehensively address and respond to every issue that has been raised publicly without shying away from it. They will be addressed systematically, transparently, and supported by documentary evidence,” she said.

She maintained that Maendeleo Ya Wanawake is a democratic organisation whose affairs should be determined by its bona fide members rather than by rumours. 

Meeting’s agenda

According to the county chairperson, the meeting is not intended to target individuals but to restore truth, transparency, accountability, and unity within the organisation while safeguarding its long-standing legacy.

She urged all the 350 elected delegates to attend and actively participate in the discussions, saying their voices represent thousands of women across Kisumu County.

Akech further reassured members that there was no crisis within the county chapter, insisting that the organisation was handling the concerns through established constitutional procedures.

“The delegates’ meeting is not a crisis meeting. It is an affirmation of our democratic culture. It demonstrates that we believe in dialogue over division, facts over rumours and constitutional process over public spectacle,” she said.

She also encouraged women not to be discouraged from seeking leadership positions despite criticism and personal attacks, arguing that accountability should always be exercised fairly and with respect for due process.

“Do not allow negative politics, propaganda, or character assassination to silence your voices. Kenyans need women at every level of leadership,” she said.

Akech said Maendeleo Ya Wanawake has served Kenyan communities for more than 70 years by empowering women, strengthening families, and promoting community development, adding that temporary disagreements should not undermine the organisation’s legacy.

She called on members to remain calm and united as the issues are addressed, urging them to seek truth before making judgements and to continue supporting spaces that empower women leaders.