Women leaders from across the political divide have vowed to ensure the country’s development agenda is realised.
The leaders who have coalesced under a caucus dubbed ‘Embrace Kenya’ on Friday stated that they will follow up to ensure funds factored in the 2019/2020 budget are utilised appropriately.
They observed that many development projects meant to benefit thousands of Kenyans have flopped after allocated funds were misappropriated by greedy leaders.
The women leaders led by Kirinyaga Governor, Ann Waiguru and Murang’a County Women Representative, Sabina Chege said that as female leaders they will not sit back and watch public funds being misappropriated noting that they will be in the forefront in fighting corruption.
Waiguru noted that public funds should be channeled to projects which will uplift Kenyans who pay taxes to the government.
She reiterated that President Uhuru Kenyatta is working hard to leave a better legacy and thus as women leaders they will support him to achieve his development agenda.
The leaders who were drawn from Jubilee, ODM, Wiper and Kanu political parties, lauded the handshake initiative between President Kenyatta and Opposition Chief Raila Odinga, saying the handshake has brought peace and tranquility in the country.
Waiguru, who was the Chief guest in a function held at Kimorori grounds in Murang’a dismissed those who are undermining the handshake, saying that leaders under Embrace Kenya will tour every county to propagate for cohesion and national unity.
“Women suffer the most when war and political tensions arise in the country. We have declared this country will not experience any war again because of elections,” stated Waiguru.
She stressed that Mount Kenya region will continue supporting the President as their political kingpin faulting those who are engaged in politics of 2022 elections.
“The handshake was not easily attained. It involved a lot of commitment and dedication and as Mount Kenya leaders we will not abandon the President in his quest for unity and fight on corruption,” stated the Governor.
Her sentiments were echoed by Homa Bay Women Representative, Gladys Wanga who observed that women should not tire in fighting for one untied country.
In previous general elections, Wanga said the country was divided in the middle with one part supporting Jubilee and the other the opposition coalition and thus creating an unfriendly environment for investors.
“After the handshake traders and business people are now free to travel to any part of the country and conduct their businesses without fear of attack. The President and Opposition leader, Odinga have brought peace in the country and that cannot be undermined,” added Wanga.
On her part, Chege asked all leaders from Mount Kenya region to rally behind the President and his government.
“The President has asked us to shun early campaigns and when time for campaigns will come, everyone interested to be elected will have a chance to sell his manifesto to Kenyans, but for now let’s work for our people,” added Chege.
The women leaders further decried increased cases of assault, insults and killings meted out on women.
They vowed to ensure rights of women are respected saying even in the parliament they are being intimidated by their male colleagues.
By Bernard Munyao
