First Lady Margaret Kenyatta (centre) meets Rift Valley Maendelo Ya Wanawake Organization members in Nakuru on July 27, 2017. [Photo: Nation]
Women from 12 counties in the expansive Rift Valley have endorsed the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August 8 General Election.
Speaking at the Agricultural Society of Kenya grounds, Nakuru, during a meeting with First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, the over 1,000 women said they are not ready to replace the First Lady in the country's top-most office.
Maendelo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) national chairperson Rahab Muiu said they want to retain Kenyatta as the First Lady in appreciation of her great efforts in caring for the health of mothers and children under her signature Beyond Zero initiative.
"How do you leave a person you know for another one you don’t? We must differentiate between stories and actions," said Muiu.
Speaking at the meeting, the movement’s pioneer member, Senator Zipporah Kittony, said women from the region will conduct door-to-door campaigns to ensure President Kenyatta clinches the presidency.
“Women from the Rift Valley have already made their decision. Our choice for President is Uhuru Kenyatta. The others can try another time”, Kitonny said amid cheers from the gathering.
The women were drawn from the counties of Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet, Narok, Baringo, West Pokot, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Trans-Nzoia, Bomet, Kericho and host Nakuru.
On her part, Kenyatta assured the women that the President and the Jubilee Government will fulfil all their promises if given a second term to serve the country.
“I know he will continue to support us when we re-elect him back in the office on 8th August 2017, so that he can complete the plans he has for Kenyans”, said the First Lady, as PSCU reports.
President Kenyatta is facing stiff competition from the National Super Alliance (NASA) candidate Raila Odinga. If the opposition wins, Ida Odinga will be the First Lady.
The meeting was also attended by Jubilee Party candidates from Nakuru, Lee Kinyanjui (Governor) and Susan Kihika for Senator.