- Machakos Governor Mutua said as Ukambani governors, they decided to support Azimio due to the desire for the region to benefit from development projects.
- He was speaking Thursday alongside governors Ngilu (Kitui) and Kibwana (Makueni) on their second day of campaigns for Raila.
Image: GEORGE OWITI
Governors are riding on Raila Odinga's promise to give poor households Sh6,000 monthly stipend when he becomes president in the August 9 general election.
"In a family where father and mother are jobless and there is poverty, they will be given Sh6,000 each per month for sustenance before they start businesses or get jobs," Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua said.
Mutua said they want money to get to the common man's pockets.
He was speaking Thursday alongside governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui) and Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) on their second day of campaigns for Raila.
The three toured Muthesya and Kathukuni market in Masinga subcounty and Kathiani and Kangundo town in Kangundo subcounty.
They also mobilised voters in Masii town in Mwala subcounty launching various development projects.
The projects include commissioning of a solar-powered borehole, groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of New Masii Level 4 Hospital alongside commissioning of Kangundo town urban modernisation projects.
"I have lived in Australia, Dubai and US. When you don't have a job the government should be giving you unemployment benefits [and] money for daily sustenance," Mutua said.
He said as Ukambani governors, they decided to support Azimio due to the desire for the region to benefit from development projects.
Mutua said Raila's development plan and track record was promising.
"Development projects have made us go to Azimio. Some have gone to Azimio to beg for money. They are asking for big political positions. But for us, we aren't asking for positions."
Ngilu said Raila had recognised that Kenyans had been hit hard by Covid-19 pandemic hence needed support.
"Raila is now saying we were affected by Covid-19 hence two million households will each receive Sh6,000 monthly through their phones on M-PESA when he becomes the president," Ngilu said.
She criticised Deputy President William Ruto for opposing constitutional amendments in 2005, 2010 and even that which was proposed in 2020.
"All the years we have been fighting for good governance for people to receive whatever they can get from the government so that they rise from poverty," Ngilu said.
"Ruto was a member and chairman of YK-92. In 2005 we said we change the constitution so that money can trickle down to the people, but he refused.
"In 2010 he also said no when Kenyans were changing the Constitution through a referendum. In 2020 we said we wanted counties to be added fund allocations through devolution but he said no," Ngilu said.
She said they were confident that Raila's government will address poverty and unemployment challenges not only in Ukambani region, but nationwide.
Kibwana said Ukambani leadership and residents had decided they couldn't wait for Raila's government to be formed while they were outside.
"We resolved that while others are waiting, we will get to the political arena and tussle with anyone contesting the presidency so that we be on the side of Azimio, " Kibwana said.
He urged Ukambani residents to be united.
"We urge Ukambani residents to be united. That's the meaning of Azimio na Umoja. Since 1963, Kenya has been that of half half (nusu nusu), people fighting for big positions and wealth while Kambas are ignored," he said.
"We want to get to the train of unity and it's Azimio."
(edited by Amol Awuor)