Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition flag bearer Raila Odinga has appointed Martha Karua as his running mate for the August polls.

Describing the office of the Deputy President, Raila said that it is meant to compliment the President, and not be a competitor.

Karua will also serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, in case Raila wins Presidency in August.

“The selection of a running mate and a deputy president-designate is one of the most important decisions a presidential candidate has to make. It is a journey for the people of Kenya. It is a journey of diligence and persistence. Today is one more reason to never give up,” Karua said.

In 1992, Karua who gallantly fought the one-party rule under Moi’s presidency became the first female Member of Parliament for Gichugu constituency under the Democratic Party of Kenya ticket.

She also held other leadership positions including serving as National Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Minister for Water Resources Management & Development, and Minister of Justice, National Cohesion & Constitutional Affairs.

The 2013 unsuccessful presidential aspirant is still an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and the leader of Narc Kenya political party.

When she vied for the presidency, Karua emerged sixth, a trial that marked the end of her parliamentary position in Gichugu in accordance with the then Kenyan law.

She later came back to the arena in 2017 when she unsuccessfully vied for Kirinyaga County’s seat but lost to Anne Waiguru despite contesting the results in various courts.

Karua lauded Raila for standing with women, since the days of retired President Daniel Arap Moi’s era.

“After the Beijing Women’s conference, only one man brought a motion to call for the establishment of the gender commission; and he was Raila Odinga. His commitment to having women sit with men at the decision-making table comes from his heart,” Karua said.

Unlike other times when appointments are made after winning elections, Raila has also appointed his new rival Kalonzo Musyoka as the Chief Cabinet Secretary in waiting, Kenneth Marende as the Senate Speaker in waiting, and Wycliffe Oparanya the Treasury Cabinet Secretary in Waiting.

Peter Munya will retain his Agriculture docket in case Raila wins Presidency while Hassan Joho will be appointed the Cabinet Secretary for Lands.

By Fred Odanga.