The Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) Friday described the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga as a champion of affirmative action, challenging the beneficiaries of his contributions to ensure the dream he envisaged thrives.
Led by the organisation’s chairperson, Rahab Muiu, top officials of the organisation said Raila’s proactive push for change both within the National Assembly and other forums saw the number of women in leadership positions increase tremendously.
They were speaking at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo sub county when they led a delegation of women leaders to lay a wreath on the grave of the late ODM leader.
Muiu, who gave a chronology of events that led to the creating of affirmative action seats for women both in the National Assembly and Senate, said that after an attempt by former Karachuonyo MP, the late Phoebe Asiyo to introduce an affirmative action bill was shot down in 1997, it was Senator Beth Mugo who introduced it again in 2000.
“The seconder of the motion was Raila Odinga. It started there and here we are today,” said the MYWO chairlady adding that the result is over 87 women legislators.
Muiu challenged women legislators and those who believe in affirmative action to help push for the implementation of gender rule that the Constitution stipulates in honour of the late Raila.
Meanwhile, Justice, Human rights and Constitutional Affairs Principal Secretary, Judy Pareno Friday described the late Raila as a leader who embraced and gave equal opportunity to many regardless of tribe.
Pareno, who also led a delegation from Kajiado County in laying a wreath on the former premier’s grave, said Raila believed in nurturing talents. “He nurtured and made me the first Maasai woman Member of Parliament when he nominated me to the East African Legislative Assembly,” she said.
And the chairman of the Luo council of elders, Odungi Randa has called on Kenyans to remain united and live in harmony.
Randa, who was in the company of a delegation from Kisumu West which included the Kisumu County Assembly Speaker, Elisha Oraro, said it was Raila’s wish that Kenyans remain united and avoid issues that would cause division.
Speaker Oraro on the other hand said Raila had proved, on several occasions, that no one was bigger than the country hence the need for all to abide by the laws of the land and live in harmony.
By Philip Onyango
