Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, on Thursday, commented on the possibility of Deputy President William Ruto having a female running mate in the 2022 presidential race.
Delivering a speech during the closing ceremony of the Devolution Conference 2019, Waiguru noted that the country was heading to a more inclusive leadership structure.
Addressing the DP, the county head stated that Ruto would be required to have a female running mate if a proposal is made in the Referendum to have that implemented.
"I applaud Gov Kivutha and Senator Kindiki for pushing for the amendment of the Constitution to realize a more inclusive leadership.
"To be specific, DP Ruto because you have interest in the presidency, if the proposal sails through, if you are running for president then your deputy must be a woman," she stated.
Waiguru was quick to clarify that she wasn't campaigning for the position amidst laughs from the DP and the other leaders present.
"I am raising the issue because the International Women's Day is approaching with the theme Balance for Better and that includes having more women in leadership," she added.
She further referred to remarks made by Raila Odinga on Wednesday arguing that women are capable leaders who must be given equal opportunity in leadership.
Earlier on, the DP hinted at the possibility of picking a female running mate during a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of Kericho Woman Representative, Florence Bore, in Getarwet, Bureti Constituency.
“That idea is very good. Jubilee is likely to give women the first shot towards the presidency by picking one of them as my running mate in 2022,” DP Ruto remarked while addressing the gathering.
He, however, went on to affirm that women needed to work just as hard in order to increase their chances of taking up leadership positions and effect change.
