Two Kisumu County women leaders have asked fellow women to vie for elective positions in the 2017 general election.
Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga and County Assembly Majority Leader Merlin Olero challenged women to present themselves to the electorates and seek votes instead of waiting to be nominated.
Ruth said it took her confidence to face off with men in politics, asking other women to come out so as to enable them compete favourably with their male counterparts.
“I did not face the voters and tell them about beauty or relationship between me and other famous politicians. I had to use my education to prove what I could if elected and that is what I want to do come 2017,” she said.
Ms Olero who is serving her second term in representing Kobura Ward residents said she will defend her seat in 2017 and would require the support of other women.
“I have vied and won twice, and I am sure I will win again in 2017. I ask all the women to come out and register as voters, and subsequently present their candidatures if we have to achieve the gender rule. The elective positions are not meant for men alone and we have to come out and fight for them,” said Olero.
Kisumu County Assembly is the assembly in the country with the highest number of elected female MCAs in 2013 at seven.
The assembly also has female Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Leader of Majority.
Through the assembly and parliamentary women caucuses, the women leaders have vowed to present more female candidates.