Kalonzo holds talks with leaders over his Kisii tour
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka shares ideas with the Permanent secretary for agriculture Dr. Romano Kiome and Cooperative Secretary Daniel Maanzo before inspecting the multi-million Wikithuki Irrigation scheme in Tseikuru District, Mwingi North Constituency Photo/VPPS
Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday met key leaders from Kisii ahead of his presidential campaign in the county. Kalonzo held talks with the political and church leaders at his Karen home in Nairobi. The Vice President plans a major tour in Kisii and Nyamira from August 24 to 27 as part of his campaigns for the presidential elections next year. He will vie for the presidency on a Wiper Democratic Party ticket.
Former Kitutu Chache MP Jimmy Angwenyi led the delegation which included, former MPs Mwancha Okioma, Geoffrey Masanya, Zebedeo Opore, former Kisii mayor Claire Omanga and Pastor John Manani. They told Kalonzo he is the best qualified leader to take over from President Kibaki. Kalonzo faces competition from top politicians such as PM Raila Odinga and DPMs Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi, who have begun their campaigns across the country.
Recent opinion polls have showed Kalonzo does not have widespread support in Nyanza as compared to his rival Raila. But the Kisii leaders promised they will spearhead his campaign in Nyanza. “We have confidence in you because you are a leader who unites the country. We have watched your performance as Vice President and we are confident that you are ready to lead the country,” said former mayor Omanga said.
WDP deputy secretary general Dennis Abincha — also a key politician in the region — did not attend the meeting. Kalonzo told the leaders to shun corrupt politicians funding their campaigns using taxpayers' money. “Kenyans must ensure they elect leaders who are not tainted with scandals,” he said. His planned tour to Kisii comes barely a month after Mudavadi made a five-day campaign tour of Kisii and Nyamira.