Kiambu county residents have not been left behind in celebrating the naming of former Gichugu MP Martha Karua as Raila Odinga running mate in the upcoming General election.
Before the announcement and as Kenyans were eagerly awaiting for the news considering yesterday was the deadline for presidential aspirants to name their running mates, bodaboda operators and women were spotted waiting outside Kiambu county commissioners’ office where they were sitting holding tree branches ready to celebrate.
“Sisi tulikuja hapa mapema na tushapangwa, tunangoja tu announcements, “Peter Omondi, a boda boda operator told KNA.
Immediately after the announcement, some women present sang and danced in jubilation happy that one of their own was likely to become Kenya’s Deputy President.
Rachel Kinuthia from Kiambu town said, “We are happy one of our own has been picked. It is time for us to also be in power in a seat that has been dominated by males since the country got its independence.”
Despite the celebrations by mostly Azimio la Umoja supporters, a few male residents were not so thrilled with the news terming the declaration as going agains the African culture.
“Why would Raila give a woman that much power yet they have chances and positions to be women reps or Cabinet Secretaries, are they trying to copy Tanzanians?” Paul Karimi quipped.
Overall however, Kiambu residents and mostly women celebrated the announcement of Martha Karua as Raila’s running mate.
Karua has for a long time participated in the politics of the country and has also held high ranks in previous governments such as Minister for Justice and Constitutional affairs during the late President Kibaki’s tenure.
