Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-02-27 23:29:46
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s recent interactions and statements have sparked mixed reactions following President William Ruto’s endorsement of his candidacy for the African Union (AU) Commission chairperson role. The events unfolded on Tuesday, February 27, when Raila met with Gender Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa at Capitol Hill Square in Nairobi.
During the meeting, CS Jumwa provided Raila with an update on the status of the two-thirds principle in government and presented him with a report on the two-thirds gender rule. She commended Raila for his efforts in advocating for gender equality within the political sphere. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Jumwa expressed her gratitude for Raila’s support and trust in advancing the two-thirds gender principle agenda in Kenya.
In his response, Raila reiterated his commitment to promoting the two-thirds gender rule and pledged to prioritize the issue in his discussions with President William Ruto. He emphasized the importance of women’s participation in decision-making processes and called for equal representation in development matters. Raila also highlighted the need to follow models like Germany or South Africa, where women are elected through proportional representation.
Furthermore, Raila mentioned the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, which he and Ruto had received for review and adoption. NADCO, a bipartisan team established by the two leaders, aims to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation in Kenya. The former PM’s engagement with Jumwa drew parallels to the era of the handshake, where Raila was regularly briefed by officials from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government on development issues.
The meeting between Raila and Ruto in Uganda on February 26, hosted by President Yoweri Museveni, also played a significant role in shaping recent events. During the gathering at Museveni’s Kisozi home, the leaders discussed various topics, including Raila’s bid for the AU Commission chairperson role. Raila expressed gratitude to Museveni and Ruto for their support and endorsement of his candidacy, highlighting their visit to Museveni’s cattle farm as a symbol of unity and collaboration.
The renewed focus on gender equality, political advocacy, and international partnerships underscores Raila’s ongoing efforts to drive positive change and foster unity within Kenya and the broader African continent. The convergence of political leaders and stakeholders in advancing critical issues reflects a commitment to inclusive governance and sustainable development. As Raila continues to navigate complex political landscapes and engage with diverse stakeholders, his leadership and vision for a more equitable and prosperous future remain at the forefront of public discourse.
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