Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has received a major boost from Azimio la Umoja's women empowerment group for the coalition's running mate slot.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of a meeting at the Jacaranda Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, on Monday, August 18, Youth and Gender Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rachel Shebesh noted that the women, who attended the event, vowed to lobby for Karua to deputise the coalition's Presidential aspirant Raila Odinga.
She claimed that the endorsement event was attended by women league leaders representing the 26 parties that form the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition.
She further exemplified Karua's track record in service delivery noting that she was a national figure with experience in governance. Karua was also in attendance.
"We are here as Azimio women, all the 26 parties that are in Azimio. Today we decided to meet the women league chairs. One of the reasons we are here today, is simply as this, Martha Karua, Deputy President, Azimio.
"We do not know why it is rocket science. We do not see how you cannot see the value of Martha. One of the values of Martha is, of course, she is a national figure, she has vied for Presidency, she has been a Minister, she knows how to run government and her record speaks for itself," stated Shebesh.
She further noted that the women leaders, who included those of Jubilee and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parties among others, were ready to catapult Karua to the position which is also being eyed by other leaders among them Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
"She is a committed woman, she is known for integrity and resoluteness. All the things she would add not only to Azimio but to this country as a Deputy President.
"That is the main focus of our meeting today and how we will start lobbying. We are going to start that serious conversation in Azimio that we think the number two should be Martha Karua," she added.
Karua is among the leaders fronted for the position. Others include Kalonzo, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi and his Nakuru counterpart Lee Kinyanjui.
Kalonzo, who touted himself as the most qualified candidate, argued that the discussion about the running mate slot gravitated around himself, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Shebesh, however, maintained that the women's movement was ready to battle with other players to ensure that Karua carries the day.
