- He wondered why they were worried about him yet his name was not appearing on the opinion polls list.
- Esposito said if elected he would also assist women groups to start projects of their choice to sustain their families.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI
Franck Esposito, a Kenyan of Italian origin who is eying the Kilifi county governor seat, has sensationally claimed that Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions want him to drop his bid.
Esposito, who is popularly known as Kasoso Baya, told journalists that he was separately approached by leaders from the two coalitions, with each wanting him to bow out in their favor.
However, the independent candidate said he dismissed them because he is headed toward victory.
He wondered why they were worried about him yet his name was not appearing on the opinion polls list.
"I have been approached by representatives of Azimio, Kenya Kwanza, in the past few days asking me to step down in favour of Aisha Jumwa and Gideon Mung'aro ," he said.
Esposito said he is the leading candidate in the race despite opinion polls putting Jumwa and Mung'aro ahead of him.
He says from his independent survey he lead the race at 47 per cent, followed by Jumwa(44), Mung'aro(36) percent and PAA's George Kithi at 18 per cent.
"I am moving forward and working for the people of Kilifi, the Mijikenda community at large and other people who live in Kilifi because we are all one nation," he said.
The Italian said he would not step down because doing so would be betraying his people.
"I made a promise that I will change Kilifi and stepping down is equal to a betrayal of the people," he said.
Esposito said since independence Kilifi residents have not experienced change with the same issues like poor education, unemployment and lack of infrastructure still affecting the people.
The independent candidate said past leaders have been issuing unfulfilled promises and always disappear to Nairobi after capturing power.
"It's time for a change, it is now or never. Kasoso Mbaya is ready to make it work, create a future for the younger generation," he said.
Once elected he said his salary would be used to pay fees for poor bright children up to university level.
Esposito said if elected he would also assist women groups to start projects of their choice to sustain their families.
He also said his administration will come up with irrigation projects to empower farmers.
"Do not despair on election date go and vote in large numbers organise yourselves even if your father or mother is sick carry them to the polling station," he said.
The Kilifi governor hopeful told residents to vote and his symbol on the ballot is the rhino.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
Image: ALPHONCE GARI