Machakos Wiper leaders have condemned politicians disrespecting party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and urged residents to reject them at the ballot.
The leaders were led by former Yatta MP and Machakos Wiper governor candidate Wavinya Ndeti and running mate Francis Mwangangi.
Mwangangi said there were people who had disrespected Kalonzo for years by insulting him and calling him names.
“We urge voters to send such people home by denying them votes on August 9,” he said.
Mwangangi spoke during a rally to drum up support for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Yatta, Machakos, on Sunday.
He was accompanied by Machakos Woman Representative Joyce Kamene and Senator Agnes Kavindu.
The leaders worshipped at Itithini AIC church in Kyua location, Katangi ward, before holding rallies in Itithini, Kyua and Katangi markets.
They asked residents to vote for Raila as president and Wiper candidates for governor, MPs, woman representative, senator and MCAs, not only in Machakos county, but the entire Ukambani region.
Mwangangi said the community needs to be united through votes.
“Kitui has served as an example. You have been insulting Kalonzo but since the polls are near, you want to come closer to him for reelection, no way,” Mwangangi said in a statement, which seemed to be directed at Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu.
Ngilu recently withdrew her reelection bid in favour of her longtime political rival Julius Malombe after Kalonzo and Raila’s intervention.
Raila said Ngilu will be given a prime job in his administration if Azimio forms the next government.
Mwangangi said in Machakos, they have refused all those who have been roaming around insulting Kalonzo.
“We will decide in one voice. The party is one, Wiper Democratic Movement, that’s our party,” he said.
The leaders said Wiper party was fully behind Raila’s candidature and committed to deliver 100 per cent votes on August 9.
“We thank Raila for seeing the importance of involving women in leadership and nominating Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua as his running mate.
"We also thank Kalonzo for seeing it important to involve women and youths in leadership. Wiper has fronted Ndeti, Kavindu and Kamene as Machakos governor, senator and woman representative candidates respectively,” Mwangangi said.
He said Raila and Kalonzo have good intentions for the youths and women.
“All our votes as Kambas and the entire Eastern region will be casted in Azimio’s favour through Wiper because of Kalonzo,” Mwangangi said.
Kamene said this time they are well organised as Wiper party and will sweep all seats especially in Machakos county.
She however urged politicians seeking various seats across the country to engage in peaceful campaigns.
“Let’s campaign in peace. We don’t have another country, Kenya is our country and Machakos our county. There will be life after elections irrespective of who wins or loses,” Kamene said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha )
