Women leaders allied to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga have launched a strategy movement aimed at mobilizing support for Azimio La Umoja Movement.
The event was unveiled at a Nairobi hotel yesterday with the lobby group seeking to recruit 27.5 million women across the country.
Christened ‘Jeshi la Baba ni akina mama’ the event was attended by Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu, former Cabinet Secretary and Nyandarua gubernatorial hopeful Sicily Kariuki, Nairobi governor Anne Kananu, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris and Public Service and Gender Chief Administrative Secretary Beatrice Elachi among others.
Kananu who was the convener of the meeting, challenged more women to seek elective positions and break cultural barriers that have stopped them from clinching elective positions in the past.
“I want to call upon my fellow women to make sure that the ground is conducive for us to participate in leadership positions. As women, we will go for all elective seats available, unlike in the past, where we shied away from some seats such as gubernatorial and the senate,” said Kananu.
The women leaders defended Raila from Ruto and his lieutenants’ onslaught that the ODM party leader is a State project, stating that their movement has found a partner in a man; who has stood with Kenyan women.
“We shall be Raila’s foot soldiers in the villages, towns, shops as we preach the benefits of unity, as we seek for votes for Raila, (Sisi tutakuwa wanajeshi wa baba mtaani, vijijini na madukani tukieneza sera za muungano wa Azimio la Umoja, kutafuta, kutoa na kulinda kura za baba) “said Ngilu.
Shebesh said that their support for the people’s project has been informed by his ten-point agenda for the nation, including ‘Baba Care,’ a programme that will ensure that the children, mothers and sisters access free, but quality medical care.
“We are here to hit the ground running to ensure Odinga is president. We can put our personal interest aside and push for Baba’s win. He cannot be a project and as Jubilee we have no apologies when supporting Odinga. Even if they say he’s a state project, we are not going back,” she said.
The women championing Odinga’s bid will also seek to defend the interests of women across the country saying it was the opportune time to awaken the leadership for women leaders.
