Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua has rallied 700 women MCAs behind her as she prepares for her second stab at the presidency. She told the MCAs on Monday she is seeking the presidency because she wants to break the marginalisation of women, "who are, ironically, the majority in Kenya".
“I will not stop until I sit on that seat. My intention is not just to sit on it but sit on it as a woman and give respect to women,” Kenya's Iron Lady said. She spoke at the Flamingo Beach Resort in Mombasa during the Pre-legislative Summit Women Legislators’ Conference.
The former Gichugu MP ran for President in the March 4, 2013 general election and emerged fourth behind President Uhuru, Cord leader Raila Odinga and little-known Abduba Dida. Karua said women have unique skills that can offer solutions to the country’s problems, including corruption, tribalism and stereotypes against women.
She said women should be recognized as human beings with rights, talents and skills, and as people who can lead. “Exclusion of women is a historical injustice,” Karua said. She said MPs who voted against the gender bill went against the same constitution they swore to protect.
The Constitution Amendment Bill, 2015, which sought to ensure no gender occupies more than two thirds of elective seats, failed to sail through the National Assembly last month. Karua said she is fighting to get the voice of women heard. She urged women to shake off their fear and run for elective positions.
“Failure and success are legitimate outcomes of a democratic process. It is unnatural to have a legislative body made up of almost entirely men,” she said. Karua said nominated leaders should be treated equally with their elected counterparts as their roles are constitutionally the same.