Kisii governor aspirant to prioritise youth, water in his agenda

The Kenya National Congress governorship candidate in Kisisii Manson Oyongo says he would prioritise the youth if he wins the August 9 election.

Onyongo said that he would set up a special fund from which the youth would borrow money to do business.

The aspirant said the youth need to be inspired to realise their potential and this must be done within a proper setup.

"With their vigor 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," Onyongo said.

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

The former South Mugirango MP spoke at Water Park Resort on Thursday in Kisii during the unveiling of his running mate, Dr. Alfred Ndemo, a former Works bank technocrat.

Nyamweya said he will ensure water reaches each home during the first five years of his administration.

"We want our women live decently, not like animals of burden carrying water from far-flung springs yet we have the capacity and will to change that," 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.

Oyongo 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 of USAWA Party.

Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi has since dropped his bid, and would be vying for Senatorial in the Machogu lineup.

Former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara would too be running for Senatorial under the Obure line-up.

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

Machogu who initially appeared a lame-duck has begun to attract 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 as he soldiers forth to capture the lucrative seat.

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

Obure, formerly the chief administrative secretary, of Infrastructure, says Kisii needs a change of tact in the ways development is done. He is credited for the vast infrastructural development in his Bobasi constituency.

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 favoritism at Orange House in Nairobi. 

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

Elsewhere, UDA candidate Ezekiel Machogu has 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.