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“We Don’t Trust IEBC Because They Don’t Trust Themselves” Karua Slams IEBC

Azimio la Umoja Martha Karua, a Kenyan deputy presidential candidate, has expressed skepticism about the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) ability to hold fair elections.

Speaking to nearly 3,000 grassroots women in Nairobi on Saturday at the inauguration of the “Million Women Voters for Martha” movement, Raila Odinga’s running partner pleaded with the electoral body to defend the nation.

“We don’t trust IEBC because they don’t trust themselves. The professionals are not standing up for the country. Let them restore trust among themselves,” said Karua.

“Stand up for your country and do what is right. Institutions are you and me. If the returning officer does it right, then it benefits the entire country.”

Just 72 hours prior to Karua’s criticism of the IEBC, Azimio’s nominee Odinga issued an ultimatum to the organization regarding the voters’ list that will be utilized in next month’s elections.

In order to advance the “Baba na Martha” presidential ticket toward the White House, the Azimio leadership has turned to strategic targeting of the women vote basket, which amounts to almost 10 million registered voters, or 49.12 percent of the total electorate.

“We want to get the maximum number of women in governance. For the first time in Kenya’s history, a woman will be elected Deputy President,” said Ida Odinga.

Leila Mohammed, a 17-year-old, said: “The selection of Martha as deputy presidential candidate has really inspired us young women.”

“I will not drop the baton, but deliver to the ultimate winner…we must now own campaigns for women in leadership who we believe in,” added Karua.

The Azimio DP candidate clarified that her nomination as Odinga’s running mate was not politically instigated.

“It takes a courageous man to select a courageous woman. Raila didn’t select a woman because it’s a political season, but because he believes in a woman,” she said.

“Our opponents say they have the highest women representation, but those are just candidates, let’s wait and see the actual representation after polls.”

The ‘Million Women Voters for Martha’ Initiative will in the next 7 days conduct a recruitment drive as it seeks to consolidate the women vote in the Azimio basket.

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