Wanga's rise in ODM opens up space for women

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. [File, Standard]

The elevation of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to Chairperson of the Orange Democratic Movement is of great consequence to attainment of the gender principle.

Her new position also means the two biggest parties, UDA and ODM, are chaired by women, as Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire also chairs UDA. While the intention of the writers of the Constitution was for the gender principle to be effected by whatever means, including top-up, the most effective way is to have as many women aspire for political seats. That's how we got seven women governors in 2022 elections.