Former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu has slammed President William Ruto over his latest strategic dalliance and handshake with Azimio Party leader Raila Odinga.
Ngilu, a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment, has expressed her reservations about Ruto taking Raila to African Union (AU) alone.
Notably, the former Kitui boss emphasized the need for more women to be part of the team supporting this diplomatic endeavor.
Her concerns centered around the belief that gender diversity and inclusivity should be prioritized in such crucial diplomatic efforts.
Speaking during the launch of Women Governors Caucus G7 Strategy, she thanked President Ruto for supporting Raila’s AU bid.
However, Ngilu was shocked by the ‘new handshake’ that had left other members of the Azimio Coalition in the cold and urged the President to incorporate them too.
“What has shocked in the last few days is the new handshake, and I thank you for supporting ‘Baba’ to become the AU Chair, but you cannot take him alone, he had many people with him,” says Governor Ngilu.
According to Ngilu, President Ruto should involve more women to champion Raila Odinga’s campaign for the Africa Union Commissioner’s seat.
Notably, Ngilu singled out the newfound bromance between President Ruto and Azimio Party leader as single sided, stressing the need to work with women to achieve more.
Handshake Should Mirror Both Divides
Terming the handshake as shocking, Ngilu went ahead to fault President Ruto on working only with members from one political divide.
Also, the former Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu directed her appealed to Ruto to champion the cause of women in leadership.
Speaking at the launch of the G7 Strategy by the Council of Governors at Safari Park in Nairobi, Ngilu passionately implored the President to play a pivotal role in mobilizing resources to empower women at the grassroots level.
“President Ruto, the best you can do is please help them (women) to mobilize resources and get to the villages, to ensure women can be empowered enough,” she declared during the event.
Also Read: Let Raila not Intimidate You into Handshake, Cherargei tells Ruto
Ngilu emphasized the need for women to ascend to leadership positions, starting at the grassroots level.
“We must make sure we increase the number of women by recruiting them both at the County level and grassroots,” she asserted.
Ngilu Calls for Mentorships
To achieve this, Ngilu proposed a comprehensive approach, involving the identification and training of women leaders, ensuring the development of skills, building confidence, and dismantling barriers that hinder their progress.
Her vision encompassed an increased presence of women in various leadership roles, from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to Members of Parliament (MPs), governors, and senators.
Notably, Ngilu extended a specific call to action for women to aspire to the presidential seat, urging them not to shy away from this high-profile position.
She expressed optimism that Kenyans are eager to see a female president in the near future.
As Ngilu passionately advocated for women’s empowerment, she called upon Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, also the Council of Governors chairperson, to play a key role in ensuring women are well represented in leadership.
“To Waiguru, be on the President’s case to ensure we have the numbers we deserve,” Ngilu stated, underlining the importance of influential leaders championing the cause.
In her address, Ngilu acknowledged and praised the existing women leaders, particularly the seven female governors who have made significant strides in Kenya’s political landscape.
“To women in leadership and especially governors… shine, shine, and shine for Kenya,” she said.
On his part, President William Ruto celebrated Ngilu, describing her as an inspiration to millions of Kenyans. The head of state noted that Ngilu was the first Kenyan woman to vie for presidency.
Ngilu’s Political Career
In 1997, she broke barriers by becoming Kenya’s first female presidential candidate, running alongside Wangari Maathai.
Also Read: Raila Says Ruto Was Behind the Handshake
Despite not clinching the presidency, Ngilu’s historic candidacy left an indelible mark on the political landscape.
Ngilu’s political career continued to soar as she successfully ran for governor of Kitui county in the 2017 general election, defeating the then incumbent Julius Malombe who made a comeback in 2022.
This victory made her one of three elected women governors, alongside Anne Waiguru and the late Joyce Laboso.
Currently, there are seven women governors in Kenya, including Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos), Kawira Mwangaza (Meru), and Susan Kihika (Nakuru).
