I will vie for the presidency in 2013 polls, declares Ngilu

Saturday, August 11, 2012 - 00:00 -- BY WESONGA OCHIENG

Water minister Charity Ngilu has said she will vie for the presidency in the forthcoming general election. Ngilu was speaking during the opening of Narc offices at Magongo in Changamwe. She was accompanied by Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo. Ngilu said having vied for presidency in 1997, she is capable of standing in the elections. “I am here to bring new leadership in this country. Every other leader has been spreading lies and empty promises to you. The time is now to bring new leadership. I am here to bring fresh leadership. I have done it before and I can do it again. I will vie for presidency,” said Ngilu.

She blamed the current leadership for the problems Kenyans are facing. “I was here ten years ago. I am back today but the roads are still the same. The leaders we have now are not trustworthy. If you wait, years come and go, you will not see change and that is why we are here to bring change. What I know is that the leaders are playing hide and seek at the expense of wananchi,” said Ngilu.

The Kitui Central MP blamed the high prices of essential commodities to poor leadership and an organized cartel by politicians out to reap from Kenyans. “If you look around, the prices of food are high, maize price is beyond reach by Kenyans as well as wheat flour. Not because we can’t afford but cartels are in the business of importing everything. This is what we want to bring to an end,” she added.

In an apparent reference to G7 alliance who have hatched a plot to block prime minister Raila Odinga to ascend to power, Ngilu said that she will not be involved in such organizations out to lock out certain individuals but go it alone and win the presidency. “I am not in the business of uniting against one candidate but to unite all Kenyans and change this country. You must make up your mind. For them they are for status quo and want you to remain that way,” Ngilu said. Ngilu’s announcement comes barely a month after she declared her support for Raila’s presidential bid in the coming elections.