NAIROBI, Kenya May 16 – Azimio Alliance presidential candidate Raila Odinga has picked Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua as his running mate.
Karua will double as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs in the event Odinga wins in the 2022 race.
She was among the 11 shortlisted candidates for the running mate slot within the movement.
“After a long search and much reflection, we have arrived at a Joshua who will lead us in our republic. Like Joshua the principal assistant will be a problem solver to the President and not a problem. We have decided that the holder of this office must be a woman,” Odinga said.
Odinga defended why he settled on Karua leaving behind Kalonzo Musyoka and other contenders for the slot saying it was the opportune time to bridge the gender gap.
The Azimio Alliance flagbearer is now focusing on wrestling the Mt Kenya vote from Deputy President William Ruto using the ticket as well as capitalize on the gender vote in the August polls.
“For the first time in the history of our republic history is calling us to close the gender gap in our republic. History to recipient the struggle of our women. History is calling us to introduce our first women Deputy President, “Odinga said.
Karua is expected to revive the quest for constitutional changes if Azimio coalition wins after the Building Bridges Initiative flopped.
“I want her to finalize the unfinished business of making our Constitution. I want this done because when the late Kibaki put up the Constitution we said it was a work in progress,” Odinga stated.
Odinga and Karua have enjoyed a good relationship during the Nyayo detention days during the late President Daniel Arap Moi regime.
Odinga reminisced on the days she acted as his lawyer while in Nyayo detention where he was jailed without trial.
“He led a team of 27 lawyers to defend against illegal detention This woman is fighter and not a quitter. A safe pair of hands seasoned by struggle of our second liberation, “he said.
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