Kisii Governor James Ongwae has been challenged to pick a women running mate ahead of August General elections.

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Ongwae, who is seeking re-election, is yet to settle on an ideal running mate after his Deputy, Joash Maangi, ditched him for Jubilee Party.

Led by Maendeleo ya wanawake Secretary Ruth Bitange, the women said the move would encourage more women to turn out in large numbers a part from cementing women's place in leadership.

"The governor stands a better chance to be re-elected and we feel that women can give his leadership extra knowledge. we have thousands of learned women who are willing to offer leadership," she said.

Ms. Bitange added: "Time has come for women to be empowered to leadership positions and that is through political positions. We are likely to have more women voting in August if one of us is offered such honour."

The Gusii region is on record for not having elected a woman to top leadership positions other then in the introduction of Women Representative seats.