Reject handout leaders, Ex-governor Timamy urges Lamu voters

@ppcheti

Former Lamu governor Issa Timamy has asked Lamu residents not to make leadership choices based on handouts.

Timamy who is vying for governor on an ANC ticket said his loss in 2017 was because some 4,000 people failed to vote as they were waiting for handouts.

As a result he says, Lamu landed in the hands of unscrupulous leaders who have made the region suffer.

The former governor spoke after his clearance by the IEBC last week.

In 2017, Timamy who served as the first Lamu governor between 2013 and 2017 lost in his second attempt to incumbent Fahim Twaha of Jubilee party.

“Let us not make choices based on what a certain politician has given you. Make your choices based on what the leader has done or promises to do and whether or not they understand your issues. I have been governor and I know what ails Lamu. I am the solution to all of it," Timamy said.

He said it would be unfortunate for Lamu to miss out on good leaders just because they do not believe in giving handouts to the electorate.

“I can offer you better when you elect me, instead of giving you some Sh100, which you will spend in a few minutes. My promise is to improve your lives and better the economy, so that life can be affordable for all. To give you lifetime opportunities, that will help years to come,” Timamy said.

The former governor said Lamu had paid the ultimate price by electing the wrong people into office but asked residents to make better choices come August 9.

He said he plans to correct all the wrongs including jailing those who sabotaged the region's economy once he becomes governor.

Timamy warned that all those responsible for destroying Lamu's economy will be apprehended and prosecuted, once elected.

He said his loss was a humbling moment both for him and the people of Lamu as it gave both sides the chance to know just how much they needed each other.

The ex-county boss promised to ensure 24-hour internet connectivity all over Lamu, to benefit small micro-enterprise businesses.

He also promised to bring back the Lamu cultural festival and other festivals that have been a huge tourist attraction to the region over the years.

“The economy is in shambles. But we are going to make a comeback and put Lamu back on the global charts,” Timamy said.

He called upon residents and rival politicians to shun divisive and hateful politics.

“Elections will come and go but Lamu will be here all through. Peace must be our main objective. The issue of insults on social media has become too much and I would urge for restraint. Let everyone express their political choices freely because it’s their right,” Timamy said.

The former governor will be launching his manifesto soon, which he says in a nutshell, gives more focus on improving health care, the education sector and the economy.

(Edited by Bilha Makokha)