Ex-MP unveils running mate, promises to prioritise youth

Kisii governor aspirant Manson Nyamweya has unveiled his running mate and vowed to prioritise the youth if he wins.

Nyamweya, who is also the Kenya National Congress party leader, said he would set up a special fund from which the youth would borrow money to do businesses. 

He said youth need to be inspired to realise their potential and this must be done within a proper set up. 

"With their vigour and enthusiasm, the youth embrace all that is required to push the country forward and must remain central to all I will do during my time in office," Nyamweya said. 

"They need to be assisted to realise their dreams and this must be done within a proper framework which my government will put place." 

The former South Mugirango MP spoke at Water Park Resort Thursday afternoon in Kisii during the unveiling of his running mate, Alfred Ndemo, a former World Bank technocrat. 

A number of defectors from ODM and UDA  joined the KNC bandwagon during the function. 

Nyamweya said he will ensure water is accessible to every household during the first five years of his administration. 

"We want our women to live decently, not like animals of burden carrying water from far-flung

springs yet we have the capacity," he told hundreds of delegates who turned up to endorse him. 

He said Ndemo comes to his team endowed with enormous experience to help him push the region forward. 

Nyamweya joins a crowd of several candidates who have shown interest to succeed outgoing Governor James Ongwae. 

Among those in the race are Ezekiel Machogu (UDA), Simba Arati (ODM), Chris Obure (Jubilee), Sam Ongeri (DAP-K) and Onchiri Ratemo (USAWA Party). 

Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has since dropped his bid and will be be vying for senatorial sear in the Machogu lineup. 

Former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara is also vying for Kisii senator under the Obure lineup.

Kisii Woman Representative Janet Ong’era also pulled out of the race and opted to defend her seat.

All the candidates have recently accelerated the pace of their campaigns across the county. 

Machogu, who appeared to have a false start, is now attracting large crowds as he engages the electorate for his bid. 

He is banking on his experience as a provincial administrator and MP for Nyaribari Masaba. 

Oyongo, a shrewd trader who has built a business empire, is banking on his administrative skills to rally supporters to vote for him. 

He is also former South Mugirango MP. 

Obure, formerly Infrastructure Chief Administrative Secretary, said Kisii needs a change of tact when it comes to development. 

Ongeri, on the other hand, is depending on the vast development projects he initiated during the Moi era as he seduces voters to back his bid. 

He has since defected to DAP-K from ODM over possible ticket favouritism at Orange House in Nairobi. 

Dagoretti North MP Simba Arati is tipped as favourite to face off with other candidates in race. 

Elsewhere, UDA candidate Ezekiel Machogu assured aspirants vying for seats in the party of free and fair nominations. 

He said there is no sacred cow and each aspirant, including himself, would be subjected to nominations. 

"Let's prepare for nominations with an open mind," he told aspirants during a meeting at Dans Hotel in Kisii on Thursday. 

The party has attracted more than 600 aspirants so far. 

(edited by Amol Awuor)