NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei has attributed the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) defeat in the Ol Kalou by-election to the party’s campaign strategy, insisting the outcome was not a rejection of President William Ruto.
Speaking during the Women Achievers Africa Conference and Awards (WAWCA 2026) in Nairobi, Shollei said the manner in which the campaign was conducted played a significant role in the party’s loss.
“It was not a referendum against William Ruto. It was the manner in which we conducted the campaign,” she said.
Shollei suggested that involving more women in campaign planning and strategy could have produced a different outcome, saying women tend to focus more on issues affecting citizens rather than divisive political tactics.
Her remarks came as she called for safer elections, warning that violence, intimidation and gender-based attacks continue to discourage many qualified women from seeking elective office.
“There are many women who are capable of being better politicians, but they are scared of the violence, the scrutiny and having their private lives exposed,” she said.
Shollei decried the sexist attacks frequently directed at female politicians, saying women are often subjected to personal insults and character assassination instead of having their policies and leadership abilities scrutinised.
“When they attack a woman, they don’t challenge her ideas. They call her a prostitute, say she’s sleeping around or brand her a drunkard. They don’t say the same things about men. That is why many women shy away from politics,” she added.
She also criticised the sexualisation of women during political rallies, recalling instances where female leaders were reduced to entertainment rather than being recognised for their leadership credentials.
The Deputy Speaker revealed that discussions are ongoing with President William Ruto’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, Harriet Chagai, on engaging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to strengthen enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct and curb violence, intimidation and abuse targeting female candidates.
Shollei urged political parties to go beyond public commitments and deliberately create safe political spaces that encourage more women to contest elective seats.
She pointed to ODM leader Raila Odinga’s decision to grant direct party nominations to women candidates in some strongholds as an example of practical measures that promote women’s political participation.
She further encouraged aspiring women leaders not to be discouraged by smear campaigns, online harassment or intimidation, urging them to remain active in political parties and pursue leadership positions.
The three-day Women Achievers Africa Conference and Awards, held under the theme “Women’s Leadership in Africa: Upscaling the Role of Women in Africa’s Development,” has brought together policymakers, legislators, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders and grassroots organisers from across Africa to discuss strategies for advancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment and inclusive governance.
