Women Have the Ability to Lead Political Parties in Kenya – Raila
Raila said women must be respected as they deserve equal political space
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Raila Odinga has warned those who criticize women claiming they lack the ability to lead political parties in the country.
He blasted those who have a habit of disowning women who pursue a political career.
“The culture of dismissing women is outdated and it has no place in the current century,” he said.
Raila said women must be respected as they deserve equal political space in the current political scene.
He was speaking during a thanks giving ceremony for Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga after she was nominated ODM national chairperson held at Homa Bay stadium in Homa Bay county.
Raila, who is also Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, insisted for a country to prosper women must be given key positions in the political arena.
He refuted claims that his absence will create a political vacuum in the country’s political scene.
“ODM is a political party which I believe is driven through creation of democratic space,” he said.
The ODM leader said that he tried his level best to ensure he attended the ceremony despite his busy schedule away in Addis Ababa on a campaign for his quest for the African Union (AU) chairmanship.
He said he is happy to have attended the ceremony being the first after a new look team took over the party leadership.
“My attendance at the ceremony is clear testimony that the changes in the party have my blessing,” he said.
Kisumu governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o who doubles up as ODM interim party leader said the party is in safe hands with a strong leadership after Raila’s decision to take a break from active politics in his quest for the AU leadership.
He said despite wearing the big shoes he won’t let Raila down during his absence.
“With the support of the new look team the party will be strong,” he assured Raila.
Nyong’o announced the party will undertake a massive recruitment drive from next year.
He argued for ODM to be strong and brighter it required a strong membership drive ahead of the 2027 polls.
“ODM will form the next government come the next polls,” he pointed out.
Gladys applauded Raila for attending the ceremony despite his tight schedule in his campaign for the AU chairmanship.
She assured Raila she will steer the party leadership to the next level.
“We assure you we won’t let you down after taking a break from active politics to concentrate on your quest to succeed chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat whose tenure at the mantle of the AU comes to an end,” she disclosed.
Joho wished Raila all the best in his quest to take over from outgoing AU chairperson.
He urged party national officials to borrow a leaf from Raila on how to run party affairs.
“Let’s protect the party leadership in years to come and we should stand steady within the ODM stewardship,” he added.
Joho, who is former ODM deputy party leader, challenged those in the current party leadership not take things easy as it required courage and patience for the party to reach where it is today.
ODM Deputy leader Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir told the marathon rally that ODM has a national outlook compared to other political parties.
He said the party is the only party blessed in the country as it has its national leaders in the broad-based government.
‘’Next year ODM will be celebrating its 20th anniversary,” he disclosed.
Siaya Governor James Orengo pointed out that his Homa Bay counterpart is able and competent to hold the position of ODM national chairperson.
He said Gladys is a person that one can depend on during hard times and situations.
“Gladys is one of the best among soldiers the party has and one can rely on at times of difficulty,” he said.
The Siaya governor assured her of his support and asked her to sit firm on the seat.
He warned those who run off in the country’s political scene to do so at their own peril.
“ODM is a strong party which remains firm even without ascending to the country’s leadership,” he pointed out.
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