Raila Odinga is the only leader who can fight poverty in Kenya, Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has said.
Ottichilo spoke in Hamisi subcounty on Saturday.
The county boss said Kenya will have more resources for development and economic empowerment if corruption is dealt with.
He said Kenya now needs a leader who has the knowledge and the capacity to tackle the high rate of poverty.
Ottichilo said the poverty index is worsening and if measures are not taken quickly citizens will face tough economic times.
“We need to focus more on industrialisation to make our country strong," Ottichilo said.
“We are still depending on our colonial masters more than 55 years later because of the high corruption rate."
The governor is seeking a second term and will be vying on an ODM ticket.
Ottichilo said he is the best candidate to change Vihiga.
“I have achieved so much in my first term and I will do more to ensure we go to the next level.”
Others seeking to unseat Ottichilo include his deputy-Patrick Saisi, Senator George Khaniri, Alfred Agoi, Moses Akaranga and Francis Ominde.
Ottichilo said Hamisi had been neglected for long but his administration has done much to develop the area.
"I will fast track more development to ensure Hamisi also reaches the standard of other subcounties," Ottichilo said.
He said the area was also neglected in roads and other sectors but his administration has done much better.
"In the second term expect more not just here in Hamisi but in the entire county," he said.
"Though our budget is small, you can see what I have done with all the challenges I faced when I took office."
The governor said his first priority is to ensure all residents in the five subcounties are connected with clean water.
He also urged the residents to harvest rain water and preserve it for future use.
Ottichilo said his administration has already distributed drugs in all health facilities.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
