Kitui governor aspirant David Musila has said his corruption-free administration will be the epitome of transparency and accountability, for optimum service delivery.
He said he picked Mombasa businessman Kennedy Moki as a running mate because he is not tainted by corruption.
Musila spoke on Saturday at Mutomo stadium in Kitui South during a traditional ceremony by local elders to hand over Moki as his running mate. Musila and Moki were also endorsed and installed as elders.
Although Moki has business interests in Mombasa, he hails from Kitui South where in 2017 he unsuccessfully vied for MP on a Wiper ticket.
“I appointed Moki after a background check to establish if he is a thief because there will be no room for thieves in my administration. I inquired and established that he does not even take bribes,” he said.
Musila, a former provincial commissioner, said he abhorred graft and had to ensure he had a deputy who was also as white as cotton and not tainted by corruption.
“I served in the public service for 50 years and I resisted all attempts to bribe me. It is clear that I do not take bribes. In my administration the award of contracts will be over the board, without one having to offer a bribe,” he said.
The gubernatorial hopeful said if elected he will ring-fence public funds, to ensure they are only used for intended projects that would impact positively on the lives of Kitui people.
Musila said he will sack all workers who would misappropriate or divert public funds.
He said projects meant to change the lives of residents for the better had been reduced to white elephants due to endemic corruption.
The governor aspirant promised to revive the projects once he assumes office.
He promised equitable and indiscriminate distribution of services, resources, jobs and projects across all parts of Kitui county.
Musila said once he takes office, he would ensure no region would be marginalised.
He said he would, as a matter of priority, address the water scarcity problems and improve health services.
The gubernatorial hopeful not only promised to improve access to education to the highest level but also create a special kitty to sponsor Kitui students to pursue crucial courses like medicine.
He also promised to end the incessant banditry attacks in the peripheral areas of Kitui South by pushing for establishment of permanent police out post and regular patrols.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
