Let voters decide, Kidero says as he goes independent

Former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero on Saturday urged Homa Bay  residents to support his gubernatorial bid after missing the ODM ticket.

According to Kidero, Homa Bay has numerous resources which can sustain its economic growth if they get a governor with proper management skills.

Homa Bay has been ranked lower in development since 2013, when devolution began.

Residents have accused the administration of Governor Cyprian Awiti of failure to deliver development due to alleged misappropriation of funds.

Kidero urged residents to make a wise decision on August 9 and vote for leaders with good personality and not a political parties.

“I have heeded your pleas and offered to go for governor seat so that I safeguard your interests. I promise never to fail you and I believe we’ll succeed,” Kidero said.

Kidero was addressing residents at Homa Bay town bus park.

He said he decided to vie as an independent after ODM failed to include him in consensus meeting for the Homa Bay governor seat.  

Aspirants Hamilton Orata, Oyugi Magwanga, Isaiah Ogwe,Akelo Misori, John Mbadi and Gladys Wanga met with ODM leader Raila Odinga and Awiti and handed the direct ticket to Woman Rep Gladys Wanga.

During the meeting in Nairobi Magwanga agreed to be Wanga’s running mate.

“My colleagues had sensed defeat and couldn’t include me in their meeting. But they don’t know it’s you the people who have the authority to elect your governor,” he said.

During his campaign rallies at Asumbi, Imbo and Olare in Rangwe constituency, Simbi and Adiedo in Karachuonyo constituency, Kidero received defectors to his camp.

The defectors claimed their leaders went for consensus which is contrary to universal suffrage they wanted.

The defectors were from the camp of Magwanga, Ogwe, Mbadi, Wanga and Orata.

Kidero questioned the interest of Awiti has in the succession. Awiti is finishing his second term.

He asked Awiti to stop meddling in the succession politics, adding that he has had his opportunity to lead .

“Awiti should retire peacefully because he had his time. He’s not in the race and cannot succeed himself,” Kidero said.

Kidero said he supports the presidential candidature of Raila and he will not allow some people to divert his attention from the cause.

He told residents to dismiss anybody who says that his going independent is like fighting Raila.

“My aspiration has been motivated by you people who want me to transform economy of this county,” Kidero said.

Kidero was accompanied by politicians Ogutu Kalee, Enosh Bolo, former MCA Patricia Ouma, Yudah Abeka, Obonyo Mireri and Jack Nduri.

He pledged to improve road networks, water supply, industrial growth and improve the health sector.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)