'I am ready, able and willing,' Karua says on nomination as Raila's running mate

Newly-unveiled Azimio La Umoja Presidential running mate Martha Karua has assured of her readiness and capacity to be the country’s second-in-command should Raila Odinga clinch the presidency in August.

Speaking on Monday after being announced as Odinga’s running mate in the upcoming General Election, Karua termed the appointment as a historic moment for women in Kenya.

“This nomination is truly a collective honour that cannot be left for me alone to savour, a personal as well as national journey,” said the NARC-Kenya party leader.

“This is a moment for the women of Kenya, a moment that my late grandmother, one of the most instrumental women in my life, would have been proud of, but she would not have been surprised because generations of women have fought for space in the decision-making table.”

While listing notable female figures who she said paved the way for women to fight for a place in leadership, Karua said her nomination was a chance for more women to be included in positions of power across the country.

“From Biblical Esther to Field Marshall Muthoni wa Kirima, Mekalitili wa Menza, Moraa Ngiti, Priscilla Abwao, Grace Onyango, Chelagat Mutai and our very Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Mathaai, just to name a few, women have been instrumental in pursuing change and this is our moment as women and men of kenya to usher more of us into the national and county level,” said Karua.

She stated that Odinga had already outlined her roles as deputy president if the duo gets into State House, further vowing to support the Azimio leader in weeding out corruption, poverty, disease and ignorance.

“Baba has allocated me duties in advance and I want to confirm that I am ready, able and willing for those duties, I will not let you down. I will be steadfast, diligent in pursuit of our shared dreams and pursuits,” she said.

“I believe in my heart of hearts that if we can erode the power of corruption in our midst we can finally cross the Rubicon to the promised land,” added Karua.

Karua who is a renowned Kenyan human rights defender and reform champion with a deep commitment to social justice at the same time assured that their government shall be keen to fight for social justice.

“I recommit myself to fully support Hon. Raila Odinga in his eternal pursuit of social justice and justice for all…we have history to judge us,” said Karua.

Candidates who appeared for vetting alongside Karua include Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Sabina Chege (Jubilee Party), Peter Kenneth (Jubilee Party) Ali Hassan Joho (ODM) and Stephen Tarus (National Liberal Party).

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, deputy ODM leader Wycliffe Oparanya and Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui were also interviewed for the position.