The country is expected to elect new leaders including the first female deputy president in the much-awaited August 9, 2022, General Election which is bound to happen about 70 days from now.
The 2022 presidential election is considered to be a two-horse race between Deputy President William Ruto of Kenya Kwanza and ODM leader Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance party.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition named Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua while Raila Odinga settled on former Justice Minister Martha Karua as his 2022 presidential running mate.
Speaking during the 59th Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens Nairobi on Wednesday, June 1, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that Kenyans could get the first woman deputy president if they wish.
While exuding confidence that the Azimio la Umoja –One Kenya coalition party will form the next government, Uhuru said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s presidential running mate Martha Karua could be Kenya’s next deputy president.
“If it is the wish of the Kenyans electorates, we have a chance of electing a woman and shattering the glass ceiling by assuming the second office in the Republic of Kenya,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said.
In his speech, Uhuru spoke about how his administration had worked hard to achieve gender parity in line with the actualization of the two-third gender principle in Kenya and urged citizens to consider Raila Odinga’s presidency which he says has given a chance to a woman.
Uhuru said he had worked with a total of 11 women in his cabinets during his two terms at the helm of the country’s leadership, wishing that more women are given opportunities in the upcoming administration.
The head of state further noted that in 2018, he appointed the first woman Major General Fatuma Ahmed to the Kenya Defense Force (KDF).
