Raila picks Karua
By: Kamande Muchiri
Worth Noting:
- “I needed a true Joshua on my corner, one who will not be a turn coat. After along search and reflection, together with consultation, I have arrived at the decision that the holder of this position must be a woman,” Mr Odinga opened the speech.
- Karua pledged her loyalty to Mr. Odinga should they win, “Baba has allocated me duties in advance and I want to confirm that I am ready, able and willing for those duties, I will not let you down. I will be steadfast, diligent in pursuit of our shared dreams and pursuits.”
It is another first for Kenya as the first female Deputy President was named by a leading presidential candidate.
If Azimio ticket carries the day during the August general election then Kenya shall make history, Martha Karua shall become the first Deputy President since 1963 independence.
This comes after Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga on Monday, May 16, named Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua as his running mate.
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya is supported by President Uhuru Kenyatta Jubilee party, Raila Odinga Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Narc Kenya party led by Martha Karua, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi’s KANU, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu’s NARC, Makueni Governor
Muungano party among others.
This makes it a party of reformist party as most of its members were key figures in second liberation that brought democracy after many years of KANU autocratic rule.
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua are buddies who shares a lot of commonalities as both were champions of second liberation and are strong democracy champions who holds strong social-economic rights.
Raila Odinga who spoke at Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi said Karua scored highest among competitors who appeared before eminent people Running Mate Selection Panel.
“I needed a true Joshua on my corner, one who will not be a turn coat. After along search and reflection, together with consultation, I have arrived at the decision that the holder of this position must be a woman,” Mr Odinga opened the speech.
He described the running mate as a fighter for social justice, a team player and a believer of rule of law.
“The woman we offer as the proposed Deputy President is also known to have incredible credentials in the fight for our second liberation. In 1990, for instance, I was arrested and placed in detention without trial. At that time very few lawyers were prepared to represent me. But this woman, then a young lawyer, led a team of 27 lawyers to defend my illegal detention,” Mr Odinga said.
In addition Karua carries a rich portfolio since her youthful days, “At the age of 24, this woman was appointed a magistrate to adjudicate on matters of men. A few years later, she became the youngest woman to be elected a Member of Parliament in Central Kenya. And she went on to serve in that capacity for 20 years. Of these 20 years, she was cabinet minister for 6 years, serving in different portfolios.”
In nominating Karua as his deputy, Odinga said she would also be the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs should they form the next government.
“As a co-worker I want her to finalise the work of making our Constitution. I want this done because when the late Kibaki and I admitted that our constitution was a work in progress… Because I am a man of my words, I will task her with the assignment of completing what we started and I am persuaded that she has the right pair of hands to accomplish this task,” said Odinga.
Karua’s acceptance speech
In her acceptance speech the Narc Kenya leader committed to fully support Mr. Odinga in his eternal pursuit of social justice and dignity for all.
“I am deeply honoured by the decision to be nominated as the deputy presidential candidate. It is a personal journey but also a national journey. Today, I recommit myself to fully support his Excellency Raila in his eternal pursuit of social justice and dignity for all, Karua said”
She further pledged her loyalty to Mr. Odinga, “Baba has allocated me duties in advance and I want to confirm that I am ready, able and willing for those duties, I will not let you down. I will be steadfast, diligent in pursuit of our shared dreams and pursuits.”
She exuded confidence that it’s only their coalition that shall carry Kenya forward, “It is only Azimio that can take the people of Kenya forward. We urge you to come and work with us.”
Playing the gender card she said this is a moment for the women of Kenya adding, it is a moment her late friend Professor Wangari Maathai would have been proud of.
Karua further asserted that the moment to usher more women into the national and county leadership has come.
The Azimio captain Mr. Odinga said should they succeed in forming the next government; he has a program that he believe will make their dreams of a new Kenya come true.
In order to realize the win he has created 12 formations to drive the Azimio campaign which includes:
- National Azimio Women.
- National Azimio Youth.
- Nyanza and Western campaign team.
- The Rift Valley Team.
- The Central Kenya Team
- The Coast Team
- Team Nairobi
- Team Ukambani
- Nakuru, Laikipia and Nyandarua Unit.
- Team Mt Kenya East
- North Eastern Team
- Samburu, Marsabit and Isiolo Azimio Unit.
This campaign machinery will be launched tomorrow (Wednesday)
While congratulating her Murang’a county Women representative Sabina Chege said as women they are very grateful for being considered for the second highest office in the land
“Baba today as women we are very grateful. This is a win for all the women in Kenya. Allow me to celebrate Mama Ida. She stood with you for seven years when you were detained without trial” Sabina said.
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