On June 1, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed Kenyans at Uhuru Gardens, where he expressed pride in the expansion of women's leadership in the country.
He stated, "I'm proud to be part of this push and Kenyans have the opportunity to elect the first female Deputy President. If it is the wish of Kenyans, come August 9, 2022, we will have the first female Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya," amidst applause from the crowd.
President Kenyatta highlighted his administration's achievements, saying, "I have had the pleasure of working with 11 women in my cabinet at different times and in different capacities; all of them have placed our county at a good place globally."
Martha Karua is running under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party with ODM leader Raila Odinga as the flagbearer.
President Kenyatta's endorsement of Karua comes as Deputy President William Ruto was snubbed from addressing Kenyans, marking the first time since President Kenyatta assumed power in 2013.
Deputy President Ruto will also be on the ballot in August on the Kenya Kwanza coalition ticket with Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as his running mate.
President Kenyatta expressed gratitude to Kenyans, saying, "I want to take this opportunity to thank each one of you. We have worked well together. It has been a pleasure and honour to have you with us. And I am confident that we have a firm foundation for those who will come after us to continue to build a bigger, brighter and prosperous Kenya from where we have left off."
