President William Ruto on Thursday hinted at the possibility of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) fielding a female running mate in the future.
Without specifically linking his statement to 2027, Ruto speaking during the Women Governors' Caucus G7 Strategy Summit held in Nairobi, remarked that the move aligns with the presidency's vision to enhance gender parity in the UDA Party.
While insisting on the new strategy, Ruto called on the UDA Chairperson, Cecily Mbarire to mark the new changes for implementation in the future.
"We must as a party lead in front and we must make it in the roots that when Rigathi Gachagua and myself when we reach the future and agree between ourselves," Ruto stated.
"We must also agree that going forward, if a man is a candidate for president in our party, the woman must be the running mate. And if a woman is the candidate, then the man can be the running mate."
According to Ruto, the new party changes would also cascade down to other political positions including the gubernatorial seats.
Ruto, while emphasising the significance of gender equality in party politics, stated that the move was not aimed at diminishing male efforts in the political realm.
Ruto also called on party leaders in other parties to uphold the same in a bid to boost female participation in Kenyan politics.
"We must also cascade it down to the governors and we must be intentional about it," the Head of State remarked.
"I know fellow party leaders in other parties will agree with us because I am sure the party leader in Wiper supported Wavinya, the party leader in ODM supported Gladys (Wanga) and all the other party leaders supported their women candidates."
The G7 strategy launch is aimed at revolutionising women’s political participation in the country's leadership and further inspiring many women to take a stab at elective politics.
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