Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga on Saturday sent a special message celebrating women on Mashujaa Day.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the opposition leader acknowledged the contribution of women in the liberation struggle and the development of the country.
"Tukisherekea siku hii ya Mashujaa tuchukue hili fursa kukumbuka hatua za kishujaa za Wanawake Wakenya zilizotekelezwa kwa uendelezaji wa taifa letu.
"As we celebrate Mashujaa Day, let's take this time to remember the contribution of brave Kenyan women who have helped develop this country," read his statement.
He further called on Kenyans to unite for the benefit of the country; "Tuungane sote kwa umoja na nia ya kutengeza taifa bora kwetu sote."
Women have been an integral part of Kenya's history, contributing immensely to the betterment of the country.
Among the notable figures to celebrate are politicians; Wangari Maathai (Nobel laureate), Grace Onyango (first female MP), Martha Karua (presidential candidate), Ida Odinga, Njoki Ndung'u (Supreme Court of Kenya) Sports figures; Tecla Loupe, Catherine Ndereba and Vivian Cheruiyot.
The 2017 general elections saw women rewrite Kenya's history with a rise of 29 per cent more women running for office than in the previous election.
A report published by NDI and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya) earlier in the year showed that women hold 172 of the 1,883 elected seats in Kenya, up from 145 after the 2013 elections.
There's still more to be done as Kenya’s constitution mandates that all appointed and elected bodies contain at least one-third women.
Women’s actual representation often falls short of that threshold. Women account for just 23 percent of the National Assembly and Senate assembly.
