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Nominated Senator Judy Pareno, who is the Kajiado top female contender in this year’s general election was on Sunday cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Pareno, who was the first aspirant to be cleared among high-ranking aspirants, said she is set to battle it out with her male counterparts in the race.

Speaking shortly after receiving her clearance certificate from the IEBC county returning officer Festus Mucheke, Pareno who is eying the seat on an ODM ticket, rallied women to support her candidature.

Pareno said despite hurdles faced by women in politics, it is encouraging to see the Maa community that has for years demeaned women as inferior embracing women leadership.

“The Maa community and the society at large are shunning misconceptions that a woman is inferior compared to men. I am happy that a woman is now seen as a strong and capable pillar in society.

“It is also encouraging that even those who still do not support a woman’s leadership are not focusing on demeaning them but giving them a free environment to pursue their political ambitions,” Pareno said.

Pareno asks women to be brave

She urged women to brave and come out to contest for various elective positions and detest relying on nominations.

Pareno, who was later joined by Azimio-One Kenya leaders allied to ODM held mega rallies at Kajiado, Isinya and Kitengela towns with the gospel of supporting Raila Odinga and her principal assistant Martha Karua dominating.

If she is elected, Pareno will be the holder of the female high-rank position in the County

The vocal nominated senator and Raila ally who is the face of the ODM party in Kajiado will battle it out with UDA aspirant Seki Kanar and Moses Ole Sakuda of Jubilee Party.