Karua to Uhuru: You can’t leave government half-way

Narc-Kenya leader and declared presidential candidate Martha Karua has told Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to relinquish that office failure to which the President should suspend him.

Speaking in Mombasa at a gender forum organised by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy and the Heinrich Boll Stiftung, Ms Karua said it was illogical for Mr Kenyatta to leave one government office and retain another following confirmation of the charges against him at the International Criminal Court.

“According to the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, both offices must be voluntarily relinquished failing which the President must suspend him.

“The law doesn’t say that one can step aside from one office and remain in another,” she said.

The Gichugu MP was speaking at the end of her four-day tour of the Coast to drum up support for her presidential candidacy and party in Lamu, Tana River, Kwale and Kilifi.

In Mombasa, she shared tips on overcoming election challenges with women at the Castle Royal Hotel where she asked them to use their maternal instincts even in politics.

“Every woman is a born manager. Even the best of men were first nurtured by a woman. Use these skills in politics, and you are sure to succeed.

“Start early, plan and stay focused. Once you have your goal in sight, nothing should distract you,” she advised.

Ms Karua asked women to plan their time well to avoid night-time campaigns to keep themselves and their supporters safe from marauding gangs.

On finances, the former Justice minister advised women to start raising their campaign funds early and rely on family and friends instead of banking on rich people.

“Most people will tell you with the confidence of an examiner that you will not succeed, but always have the end result in mind and use your inner strength to conquer all opposition,” she said, urging women to avoid criticising one another especially in political gatherings in order to retain their dignity.

Her sentiments were echoed by the chair of the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy, Justine Muturi, who encouraged women to stay united in order to win elective posts.

“Let us have as many women as possible directly elected. This will put more legislators in Parliament,” Ms Karua said.

HB Foundation Co-President Barbara Unmuessig said there was a need to have women- friendly legislation to provide equal access to both financial and political resources.