By Gerald Mukembu
A coalition of nine Women Representatives on Monday threw their full weight behind President William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, urging Kenyans to grant the duo a second term in office.
They cited transformative development initiatives spearheaded over the past three years as the reason behind their support.
Led by Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia, her counterparts Susan Mwindu Ngugi (Tharaka Nithi), Catherine Omanyo (Busia), Pamela Njoki (Embu), Liza Chelule (Nakuru), Gladys Sholei (Uasin Gishu), Linet Chepkorir Toto (Bomet) and Naomi Waqo (Marsabit) they rooted for the re-election of President Ruto due to his immense development projects initiated in the last three years of his tenure.
Meru Woman Rep Karambu Kailemia (Centre) accompanied by her colleagues during an empowerment program in Meru.
Speaking at Gikumene Primary school in North Imenti during the National Government Affirmative Action Funds empowerment program, the leaders said development projects achieved so far by President Ruto’s administration including road connectivity, electricity connections, Social Health Authority (SHA), affordable housing, employment of new teachers and appointments to different job opportunities.
They also cited having a Deputy President who comes from the region, subsidising fertiliser, education sector improvement, health sector improvement among others as impactful for economic growth and improved living standards.
Mwindu pleaded with Meru people to re-elect President Ruto and Meru Woman Rep Kailemia saying her connections have made potential impact in empowering women, youth and people living with disabilities.
“Kailemia is a great leader and a role model to other Women Reps. She instills discipline and good character to us. I am impressed by her connections because I was in Meru a week ago during an empowerment program and I am here today in a big way for a similar empowerment program. You should be the happiest because she equally serves nine Meru constituencies. I urge you to vote for Kailemia in 2027,” Mwindu said.
Mwindu also championed for boy child empowerment to conquer their challenges that includes; drug abuse, lack of mentorship, negative stereotypes, and neglected education.
“Women should respect and honour men and stop Gender Based Violence because they too go through this vice,” Mwindu said.
Kailemia acknowledged that the national government is on the right track in terms of developments.
“We have the most expensive market in Meru. There are so many other ongoing developments projects. Give President Ruto and his Deputy Kindiki another term. Don’t say later I wish I knew. They are on the right track,” Kailemia said.
Toto said President Ruto has been on the throne for only three years but with great bottom up tangible development projects.
She also asked Kenyans to register for SHA in order to get benefits of free health care services.
“Bottom-up development is no longer a slogan, it’s reality,” she said.
Naomi said the broad based government led by President Ruto and former Prime minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga has entrenched peace and tranquility in Kenya.
“When we say two terms, we don’t say this for the love of Ruto’s name or where he comes from. Raila saw it worth having a handshake with Ruto to stop bloodshed and destruction of property in the Country. Even if I am forced, I cannot board the Wamunyoro bus. We do not want divisive and tribal politics,” Naomi said.
Sholei said, “Register for SHA in order to get free health care services. The University funding model is a game changer in educating students from vulnerable families. I will be the happiest person Mkirudisha mkono kwa mama Safi (Kailemia) and President William Ruto in 2027.”
Several groups received water pipes, cheques worth millions, car wash machines among others.
