Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru’s husband, Lawyer Kamotho Waiganjo, has offered pieces of advise to first gentlemen whose wives have been elected to public office – especially Governors.
Speaking to KTN News on Sunday, November 20, the constitutional lawyer challenged First Gentlemen to be careful on how they handle the office.
He argued that the public already had a skewed belief against women leaders and the husbands should trade carefully when engaging in county matters.
“As a man spouse, unlike the women spouses, you have be very careful you don’t send the message to the population that this woman is incomplete without me.
“Which is why you need to be very careful with which profile you take because the natural assumption is that if a woman is in leadership, there is a man supporting them and making them complete. We need to disabuse the population of that assumption,” he explained.
During the August 9 General Election, a record seven female governors won seats, thrusting the office of the First Gentleman and their role into the limelight.
The issues was exacerbated by Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s decision to appoint her husband, Murega Baichu, to two county roles; as the patron of Meru Youth Service and the Ambassador to Meru’s hustlers.
The move cause widespread public uproar and placed the Governor on a warpath with Members of the County Assembly.
Kamotho, however, maintained that the expectations of the office of the First Gentleman were not high since no traditions had been set to govern its occupier’s conduct.
“The expectations of the first gentleman are not very high because it is not an office that the people are familiar with.
“We hadn’t developed any traditions and norms against that office… The reason why it has become a big issue, the people don’t know how to handle this office,” he explained.
He also noted that he had never handled Kirinyaga County Government finances.
“I think the people of Kirinyaga would know that I have not spent a shilling of their money and that is a choice. Part of the reason is that I consider that there many other ways to help that county without necessarily needing budget support. In the last five years and at this point, I don’t think I need (a budget allocation),” he clarified.
The Kenyan Constitution only provides a budgetary allocation to the office of the First Lady on the national level and none for either the county’s First Lady or First Gentleman.
Some leaders, however, have championed for the creation of the kitty to aid the office holders offer services and make him or her relevant.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE