Maendeleo ya Wanawake Kisumu chairperson Caren Oloo addressing the media in Kisumu/Faith Matete The leadership of the Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) in Kisumu County has urged members to use the organisation's established internal conflict-resolution mechanisms to address any disagreements instead of airing their grievances publicly.
Speaking after a meeting of elected delegates in Kisumu, the organisation's county chairperson, Caren Oloo, said members resolved that all disputes should be handled through the structures provided for in the organisation's constitution to promote unity and protect its reputation.
She said the delegates agreed that future disagreements should not be pursued through the media or public forums but instead be addressed through the organisation's disciplinary procedures and, where necessary, its internal dispute resolution body, the Council of the Wise.
"We have a constitution that guides us. Issues affecting Maendeleo ya Wanawake should never be addressed on the streets because we have clear protocols and procedures for resolving disputes," Oloo said.
The meeting was convened following recent public claims and allegations involving the organisation, which the leadership said had caused concern among members and risked creating divisions.
According to the chairperson, the gathering brought together elected delegates from across the county to discuss the concerns, clarify issues and restore confidence within the organisation.
She said the delegates represented the organisation's elected leadership and alleged that much of the recent controversy had been driven by individuals acting outside its official structures.
"What has been happening publicly has nothing to do with the elected delegates of this organisation. Rumours travel faster than the truth, and we felt it was necessary to set the record straight," she said.
The delegates also rejected allegations of fraud and claims of irregularities involving the organisation's land, saying documents presented during the meeting indicated there had been no wrongdoing.
Oloo said concerns over one of the organisation's land titles arose from administrative processes dating back to the period when Maendeleo ya Wanawake operated as an association with assets held under trustees.
She said the process of correcting the documentation was already underway and should not be interpreted as evidence of fraud or an attempt to transfer ownership of the property.
The leadership also rejected claims that sewing machines and other organisational assets had disappeared, describing the allegations as misleading.
To demonstrate transparency, the chairperson invited members of the media to inspect the organisation's offices and verify the assets, noting that the distribution process had been conducted openly with the involvement of sub-county officials.
The delegates resolved that disciplinary action would be initiated against members found to have breached the organisation's constitution by taking internal disputes outside the recognised channels.
The chairperson said unresolved cases would be referred to the Council of the Wise, the organisation's internal mediation body.
She added that the delegates had reaffirmed their confidence in the current leadership and pledged to continue supporting the organisation's programmes.
"A few individuals cannot determine the direction of this organisation. The delegates have expressed full confidence in the leadership, and we remain committed to serving our members while upholding our constitution," she said.
The leadership urged members to disregard unverified information and rely on official communication as the organisation works to strengthen unity and continue its programmes across Kisumu County.
