Women candidates in Kenyan elections endure abuse and attacks

Elizabeth Waithera who was vying for a Member of County Assembly (MCA) seat in Mlango Kubwa ward and was attacked while on her campaign tour poses for a photograph after an interview with Reuters in the Mathare slums Nairobi, Kenya. July 28, 2022. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Liz Njue, a Kenyan psychologist who wanted to stand for a county assembly seat, had just arrived to vote in her party primary when opponents attacked her, pulling her hair and tearing her blouse. She fled without casting her ballot and lost the race.

Njue is one of dozens of female candidates who have been physically assaulted during campaigning for presidential, legislative and local elections on Aug. 9, according to the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association.