In the wake of the widespread unrest in Tanzania, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has clapped back at criticism directed at women's leadership.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, Karua called for gender equality in the Kenyan leadership, insisting that it is time for the country to elect its first female president.
While weighing in on the growing criticism targeting Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu over the current violence in the East African nation, Karua defended women’s capacity to lead.
Karua accused a section of Kenyans of making blanket condemnations, urging Kenyans not to judge all women based on the actions of one female leader.
“This time round, the Kenyan cake must also be handed to a woman so that the rights of every individual can be protected," Karua reiterated.
Adding, "I was asked what I think about what is going on in Tanzania, but I responded saying that Idi Amin was not a woman; likewise, Adolf Hitler was not a woman, even though Kenya is not led by a woman, yet people are being killed."
The PLP leader, who was former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's running mate in the 2022 General Elections, challenged Kenyans not to judge the performance of a leader based on their gender.
"Do not blame women because one woman has made a mistake. Similarly, if a woman or a man does wrong, we should not blame all the men," Karua maintained.
Karua's remarks come on the back of mounting political tension in Tanzania against Suluhu's administration, with thousands of people coming out to protest against her reelection.
Suluhu is accused of allegedly undermining the country's democracy by restricting key Tanzanian opposition leaders from the general elections held on Wednesday, October 29.
Specifically, the Tanzanian Head of State has been faulted for allegedly instigating the arrest and detention of senior opposition leader Tundu Lissu, barring him from participating in the elections.
Suluhu was declared the winner on Saturday, November 1, after garnering nearly 98 per cent of the total votes cast, granting her a five-year term in power.
