Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has vouched for a woman to succeed President William Ruto in 2032.
Speaking at the launch of the Women Governors Caucus in Nairobi, the county boss, who is among the most respected political leaders in the country, emphasised the need for women to occupy top leadership roles in the country on merit.
Waiguru further highlighted the importance of gender equality in building resilient democracies and fostering sustainable development.
She stressed that gender equality and women’s empowerment are both a moral cause and an economic necessity.
“Women’s active participation in public and political platforms builds resilient democracies, ensures political stability, promotes sustainable development, and will achieve the desired economic progress.” She said.
Speaking at the event dubbed G7 President Ruto, who failed to keep his promise of appointing women to half of his Cabinet endorsed her calls.
The Head of State emphasised the need for inclusive participation to achieve shared prosperity.
He pledged deliberate action to meet constitutional gender representation requirements and commended women governors for their achievements, urging increased support for women in Kenyan leadership.
“Kenya has been making progress in many sectors for many decades but the rate of progress has always remained behind the levels of poverty and inequality, making sustainable development and inclusive growth an elusive target for many,” he said.
The Head of State said that it was time for women not only to participate as voters but as candidates and to be elected as leaders.
He pledged deliberate action to meet constitutional gender representation requirements and commended women governors for their achievements, urging increased support for women in Kenyan leadership.
This include championing his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to field a woman to deputise any presidential candidate, and vice versa, in future elections.
“In their shinning, they encourage the country to vote for more women”, said President Ruto, adding that women governors have demonstrated great integrity and understanding of their duty.
Ruto further committed to taking deliberate actions to meet the constitutional requirement of two-thirds gender representation in leadership roles.
He proposed alternate gender representation in gubernatorial polls, suggesting that if a governor is a woman, the deputy governor should be a man and vice versa.
In praising women governors, President Ruto highlighted their accomplishments in their respective counties.
He noted that their achievements not only inspire other women leaders but also contribute to encouraging voters to support more women in leadership positions. Ruto commended women governors for demonstrating integrity and a profound understanding of their duties, urging the nation to recognize and support the participation of women in Kenya.
