Ida Odinga has requested the Azimo One Kenya Coalition Party to pick a woman running mate for Raila Odinga as the country prepares for the much awaited August 9 polls.
Speaking during the 70th-anniversary celebrations for Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Association (MYWA) on Thursday, May 12, Ida requested the coalition to consider picking a female running mate as it would solidify Raila's support base.
She explained that a choice of a female running mate will bolster the camp's numbers and rally women to back one of their own and eventually help Raila clinch the top seat.
She publicly endorsed Narc Kenya's Martha Karua, Kitui governor Charity Ngilu, and Murang'a Woman Representative, Sabina Chege.
"From 1990, I have known her (Martha), she is a dynamic person. She is knowledgeable and so is Sabina Chege.
"So what I'm saying, is if they pick a female running mate, I will be very much pleased. Be it Charity Ngilu, Sabina Chege or Martha Karua, I will be very much pleased," Ida stated.
Ida, however, expressed confidence that in case Azimio fails to pick one of the three, they will still remain key figures who will take up pivotal roles in transforming the country post President Uhuru Kenyatta's era.
"Even if they will not be picked, I know they will keep working harder to make Kenya great," Ida remarked.
She further appealed to the law enforcement officers to ensure all female aspirants are accorded security during their campaigns.
"I’m calling upon the security agencies to provide sufficient protection for women to campaign to allow them present their ideas to the people without fear."
Karua, speaking at the same event, urged women to give the country good leadership by voting for development-oriented leaders to enjoy the fruits of devolution.
"Women are free to join any political movement but I plead with you to rethink your decision. Character defines a good leader and this you can inevitably see through their deeds," she observed.
This comes just a day after Azimio running mate selection panel submitted its final list of candidates recommended for the position of running mate to the former Prime Minister.
The committee led by Noah Wekesa announced on Thursday that it had submitted a list of three names to the coalition’s flag bearer, Raila Odinga.
"The panel has dispatched its final recommendation to the candidate (Raila Odinga) this morning. This follows the inability of the candidate to disengage from the political activity he is engaged in to come to us to receive the report," Wekesa stated.
However, according to Raphael Tuju, Raila will still have a final say in determining who will be his running mate.
