- Otundo was the only woman who was seeking to succeed Governor Ongwae in the August 9 polls before she changed tune.
- She thanked IEBC for clearing her despite the challenges.
Image: FILE
Kisii women representative candidate Rachael Otundo has said time has come for women to compete for political positions with men.
Otundo, who is seeking to unseat the incumbent Janet Ong'era, said the time of gagging of women in politics was over. She said the decision to run for seat was informed after her male counterpart deserted her at the last minute.
"I was frustrated when my running mate deserted me, but I will soldier on as a woman in the women rep race," Otundo told her supporters during her campaigns in Kiogoro ward in Nyaribari Chache constituency.
Otundo was the only woman who was seeking to succeed Governor James Ongwae in the August 9 polls before she changed tune.
"The exit of my running mate has not dampened my hope. I urge residents to vote for me as a woman representative,” she said, urging her competitors to embrace peaceful campaigns.
The candidate thanked IEBC for clearing her despite the challenges.
"I want to thank the electoral agency for giving me the go ahead to run as a women representative. I have the potential of serving in that position," she said.
She accused "some leaders in Kisii" of being "highly patriarchal and who "do not want to see any women ascend to power."
Otundo appealed to her supporters to be calm, adding she will give them a political direction once she starts her campaigns next week.
The candidate, who hails from the vote-rich Nyaribari clan, appealed to women to use their numerical strength and vote for women for elective seats to enable them to exploit their leadership potential.
Those cleared to vie for the seat include Ong'era (ODM), Peris Onsarigo (Jubilee Party), Jackline Karani (DAP-K), Fontina Ngare (ANC) and Vicky Onderi, (Narc Kenya).
Others are Maureen Moraa Obino (independent), Teresa Bitutu Oroo (UDA), Lucy Bwari Getoi (Democratic Party of Kenya, Julie Nyanchama, (Kenya National Congress), Dorice Aburi (Wiper) and Getruduh Nyatichi Mogoi.
Otundo's exit leaves the gubernatorial position to candidates — Chris Obure, Dagoretti North MP, Simba Arati, Manson Oyongo (KNC), Senator Sam Ongeri (DAP-K), Josiah Onyancha (independent) and Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu.
Otundo said she has been going around the county and thus understands the challenges people undergo, especially women.
(edited by Amol Awuor)