Kisumu women's caucus advocates for increased female representation in ODM

ODM Women’s Caucus in Kisumu County during a press conference. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is being urged to appoint Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to one of the deputy positions within the party, following the nomination of several top party officials to President William Ruto's broad-based government.

The ODM Women’s Caucus in Kisumu County emphasized the importance of increasing female representation in the party’s top leadership.

Kisumu County Assembly Deputy Speaker Nereah Okombo stated that women in the party are advocating for Wanga to fill one of the vacant positions.

The need for new appointments arose after ODM leaders were appointed to significant roles in President Ruto's administration.

Former ODM Chairman John Mbadi was nominated as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Treasury, former Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy, and the second Deputy Party Leader Wycliffe Oparanya as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Cooperatives.

“Women representation in political parties has been at its lowest, and it is time for ODM to consider a woman for a top party position,” said Okombo. “The top party organ positions have been held by men for too long. It is time a woman is given a chance to sit at that table.”

Women from the seven sub-counties in Kisumu, who addressed the press at a Kisumu hotel on Sunday, noted that the presence of women in key party positions would strengthen the ODM party.

Okombo highlighted Wanga's dedication to party activities and her historic win as the first female governor in the Nyanza region as key reasons for her nomination.

“Wanga has shown quality leadership, and we ask our party leader Raila Odinga to consider her for the position,” she added.

Millicent Omuya, MCA representing North Seme Ward, praised Raila Odinga's efforts in championing the two-thirds gender rule, which has elevated women to higher positions.

She urged Raila to continue this commitment by appointing Wanga as one of his deputies in the party.

“Raila has been at the forefront of giving women space to lead in every political sphere. We ask him to appoint Wanga,” Omuya said.

Omuya further emphasized that having Wanga in the ODM's apex would help address barriers that hinder women's participation in the party. She also commended the party’s decision to contribute members to assist President Ruto's administration.

“Raila has worked tirelessly for this country, and as women, we are in these positions because of his relentless efforts,” said Omuya.

Former MCA Caroline Ogot stressed the importance of a unified women’s agenda, praising Raila for his steadfast support of the two-thirds gender rule, now enshrined in the Constitution.

Ogot called on Raila to consider women for top positions, asserting that women must be active participants in discussions and decision-making processes.

“Nobody can speak for us except us, and Wanga is the right person given her track record,” Ogot said. She added that Wanga's appointment would ensure women's interests are represented in all political and developmental aspects.

With these strong endorsements, the ODM Women’s Caucus hopes to see Gladys Wanga take on a significant leadership role within the party, reflecting their commitment to gender equality and female empowerment in political leadership.