Martha Karua’s nomination is big win for women
Women in the country scored big after Azimio la Umoja coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga picked Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua, as his running mate.
While making the announcement yesterday, Raila said he had settled on Karua because she is a fighter and not a quitter.
“At the age of 24, this woman was appointed a magistrate, years later she became the youngest woman MP, she led a team of lawyers to represent me when I was in detention, this woman is a fighter and not a quitter,” Raila described Karua.
Karua who immediately accepted her nomination said the moment had come for women to also shine.
Deserved nomination
“This is a moment for the women of Kenya. It is a moment that my grandmother would have been proud of...but she would not have been surprised because generations of women have fought for change. This is our moment as women of Kenya. It is also a moment for the men: they are our brothers and fathers,” said Karua
Raila’s announcement immediately saw women leaders across the political divide including Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege, and her Busia counterpart Florence Mutua congratulating her saying the nomination was a clear indication that the time for women had come.
On the other hand, men led by former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro also welcomed her nomination.
Ngilu said the nomination of Karua is a win for women of Kenya who have for a long time struggled to be on the same level as their male counterparts.
“History in the making. We truly have come a long way as a nation. The proverbial glass ceiling takes another crack once again. Baba @RailaOdinga and @MarthaKarua the women of this great nation support you and believe in you,” said Ngilu.
Chege said Raila’s decision is a clear indication that the country has once again bent the arc of history towards inclusivity and change.
“This is not Karua’s win but the win for all the women of Kenya. Today we celebrate Mama Ida and we know that it’s through Mama Ida’s confidence that she has given Raila as a woman, that he has trusted women in leadership,” she added.
Kibwana welcomed Karua’s nomination saying she was the solution to the problems the country is facing.
“You have appointed the solution to Kenya through Karua. Congratulations @MarthaKarua on your deserved nomination as #AzimioLaUmoja Presidential running mate. Raila and Karua represent Kenya’s face of change. The nomination of Karua as Kenya’s next DP bears true testimony to Raila’s quest for inclusivity in the country’s governance,’ said Kivutha.
Orengo described Karua as a progressive and firm leader who will lead Kenya to greater heights.
“Great choice by HE Raila. Congratulations to Karua, a true patriot and leader. Raila and Martha form a progressive team and offer Kenya ‘a first’ in having a progressive movement led by progressive leadership,” said Orengo.
Havi said Karua would effectively deputise Raila in government or in the opposition as she is level-headed.
“Congratulations Karua. I have worked with you on the two-thirds gender rule matter and the BBI matters. Raila is blessed to have you as his deputy and Cabinet Secretary of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. I wish the two of you the very best in your quest to serve Kenya,” said Havi.
Nyoro said the nomination of Karua is a vote of confidence and a win for women in Kenya.
“Congratulations to the people of Kirinyaga following the nomination of Karua as Raila's Running Mate, it’s a vote of confidence and a win for the women of this country and Mt Kenya,” said Nyoro.
