Azimio Running Mate Tussle: Charity Ngilu throws her weight behind Martha Karua, Abandons Kalonzo
Azimio Running Mate Tussle: Charity Ngilu throws her weight behind Martha Karua as the best candidate to deputize Azimio Raila Odinga.
The Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has rallied Azimio women behind Martha Karua for the running mate position, abandoning Kalonzo Musyoka.
The Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance women’s league wants Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua to be appointed Raila Odinga’s running mate.
On Monday, April 18, at the Jacaranda Hotel in Nairobi, women leaders from 26 political parties decided to push for Karua to be appointed Raila’s running partner.
The women, led by Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, have stated that a woman should be the running mate in the coalition.
“It is possible to have the top leadership of Azimio consider and understand that the Constitution of Kenya calls for 50-50, and therefore our presidential candidate will be considering a woman to be a running mate,” Ngilu said.
The Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh said Karua is best suited for the position as she is a “committed woman, a national figure and she has even vied for the presidency”.
“Martha has been a minister and knows how to run the government. Martha’s record speaks for itself. We think that she would add value not only to Azimio but to this country as a deputy president,” she said.
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Azimio Running Mate Tussle
Even as Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka insisted on being Raila’s running mate, the movement for a female running mate is gaining traction.
Kalonzo chastised those who insisted Raila’s running mate come from the Mt Kenya region. When the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya selects a running partner, Kalonzo said his ethnic background should not be an issue.
On Sunday, April 18, Kalonzo stated that he believes he is qualified for the role since he speaks fluent Kimeru.
“Some people argue that the running mate must be a Kikuyu. However, I’m actually from the mountain. I went to school in Meru. I speak a little bit of Meru, so in truth, I’m part of the mountain,” said Kalonzo.
Still, within the Azimio coalition, the competition for a running mate is expected to ignite antagonism between individuals and members of parties.
Raila’s running mate is expected to be named by Azimio before the April 28 IEBC deadline.
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