Kwale women leaders back Anne Waiguru for Deputy President
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in Tharaka Nithi County. Photo/Anne Waiguru via X
Kwale County women leaders have proposed Governor Anne Waiguru for the position of Deputy President, emphasizing that it is time Kenya had a female deputy at the helm of national leadership.
The call was made during the G7 empowerment tour, where local women politicians gathered to highlight the need for gender inclusivity in the highest offices of the land.
Led by Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito, the leaders expressed confidence in Ms Waiguru's political maturity and ability to serve as the country’s next Deputy President.
"Governor Waiguru is ripe to replace Mr Rigathi Gachagua. She has served as a governor for seven(7) years, and I believe she is fit for the position," Ms Masito said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, who urged the country to embrace female leadership.
"We have seen women in leadership positions, and they have proven their capacity to lead. It is time we give them a chance at higher offices," said Mr Kombo.
He added that if the Deputy President is removed from the position (the Senate upheld his impeachment on Thursday night), then President William Ruto should consider a woman for the position for a change.
Ms Waiguru’s political journey has been marked by a blend of experience and achievement, they said.
In 2013, she joined President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government as the first Devolution Cabinet Secretary, where she spearheaded the creation of Huduma Centres, which won her several awards, including the 2015 United Nations Public Service Award.
The initiative revolutionized public service delivery, allowing Kenyans faster access to government services.
In 2017, Ms Waiguru made history when she was elected as the Governor of Kirinyaga County, becoming one of only three women governors in Kenya back then.
Her leadership has been widely recognised as transformative, with many hailing her efforts in both governance and development.
The G7 women governors also called for increased political participation among women at the grassroots level.
They argued that many women shy away from political pursuits due to fear of intimidation and gender biases.
"Women in politics are often asked questions about their marital status in a way that men are never questioned," said Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.
Adding that when a woman is running for office and is not married, she is questioned about her fitness to lead, while the same question is never asked of men.
“If she is married, they ask how she will balance home duties with leadership,” Ms Mbarire said.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairperson urged women to stand firm and pursue political positions without fear.
"Let us not wait to be nominated. If you want to be an MCA or an MP, come to me, and I will give you a ticket," she told the audience at Kinango Teachers Training College in Kwale.
Her views were supported by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who said that having more women in leadership positions would drive development, as “we women tend to lead with passion and inclusivity”.
"The more women we have in leadership, the faster we will see development in our communities. Women lead with heart and commitment," said Ms Wanga.
The governors have set their sights on increasing the number of women governors to 24 in the upcoming elections.
They also vowed to support other women interested in joining politics, promising to offer mentorship and guidance to help them overcome the challenges that often discourage female political aspirants.
The G7 women governors were accompanied by several legislators from both Kwale and Mombasa, all united in their vision for an empowered and inclusive leadership in Kenya.
