- The women said Wahome, a second-term MP, has demonstrated that she is a good leader who has not been incriminated in any corruption scandal.
- They said Wahome has been an ardent supporter of the deputy president and can rally the county and the region behind him.
Image: ALICE WAITHERA
A section of Murang’a women wants the Deputy President William Ruto to pick Kandara MP Alice Wahome as his running mate.
The women say it is time presidential candidates considered choosing a woman to deputise them, adding that the position should be filled by someone with strong leadership qualities.
The women, who spoke in Kangema town on Tuesday said Wahome, a second-term MP, has demonstrated that she is a good leader who has not been incriminated in any corruption scandal.
The women were drawn from the eight subcounties in Murang'a.
They said it is time men supported the fight for gender equality by empowering women leaders to such positions.
In the last few months, there have been sustained efforts by various quarters in the private and public sectors to call for more women to vie for leadership positions.
Jane Wanjiku, said Wahome is a leader of integrity who would serve with Ruto better than any other leader.
“I have family members living in Kandara and I can testify that she has made great strides development-wise,” Wanjiku said.
She said Wahome has been an ardent proponent of the Uhuruto government since 2013 and that Ruto should reward her for her support.
Terming her a fearless leader, Wanjiku said Wahome is a good representation of the womenfolk and their capability to lead.
“Wahome is able to get very close to her people which indicates that even nationally, she would make a good deputy president.
“We will be very happy if Ruto picks her because it will also position women higher in leadership while helping in the two-third gender rule,” she added.
Lucy Kamau termed Wahome as a charismatic leader who is capable of rallying the county behind Ruto.
The MP, she said, has been working with women groups in her area and her performance as a leader has cemented her influence in her constituency.
“Her elevation to such a position would be a win for all women. Women have time and again proven to be exemplary leaders and no house truly stands without a woman. A woman is the one that takes care of a family’s affairs,” she added.
Kamau said the country, having never had a female deputy president, a woman of strong character should be considered.
She added that Ruto has a chance to be the first to pick a woman candidate and that Wahome who is a founder member of UDA Party should be among his top picks.
“We are asking women from Murang’a to rally behind Wahome to ensure she is elevated to the position,” Kamau said.
The position is also being coveted by Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua, also a staunch supporter of the deputy president.
The UDA party has gained popularity in the Central region since it was formed. The deputy president has sustained his visits to the region and residents have grown fond of him.
His odds were favoured by the confusion surrounding the succession politics in the region as the President gave the matter a wide berth.
However, the emergence of numerous parties from the region is expected to influence voting as parties seek to form coalitions.
Days ago, The Service Party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri challenged presidential aspirants to pick their deputies and give Kenyans time to scrutinise them.
Kiunjuri said parties will have limited time to form coalitions once the Political Parties Amendment bill that is being discussed in the National Assembly is passed.
Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria and Speaker Justin Muturi have announced their bids to vie for the presidency.
Last week, Ruto who was on a Western tour asked ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetangula to consider working with him.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)