Raila vote to break Kikuyu-Kalenjin rule, says Jirongo

A vote for Azimio One Kenya flagbearer Raila Odinga will be a break from the monotony of two tribes leading the country, UDP leader Cyrus Jirongo has said.

The former Lugari MP, who is seeking to succeed Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, said a victory for Raila will end the notion that other tribes cannot lead the country and foster unity.

He spoke during a campaign rally at Shikutse in Malava on Tuesday.

Jirongo is set to square it out in the Kakamega gubernatorial race with Kenya Kwanza's Cleophas Malala, ODM's Fernandes Barasa and Maendeleo Democratic Party's Samuel Omukoko.

Others are Suleiman Sumba (Kanu), lawyer Michael Osundwa and Optiso Otieno (independent).

The former legislator said Kenyans should vote for Raila and Martha Karua because Karua is a no nonsense lady when it comes to corruption.  

Jirongo promised to empower the youth of Kakamega county with resources that would generate sufficient income for their families, if elected.

“The framework for any economic development is human resource and that is the foundation of a strong economy which my administration in Kakamega county will focus on,” he said.

He was accompanied by nominated Senator Naomi Shiyonga who is seeking the woman representative seat on a DAP-K ticket.

Shiyonga said zoning in Azimio could negatively affect Raila's presidential vote.

“We have refused that thing called zoning that is being promoted by ODM to intimidate small parties in Azimio One Kenya. We want to tell ODM leaders that we are all going to the ballot," she said. 

"We shall all support our presidential candidate Raila Odinga, but down here, let everyone look for votes regardless of the parties we belong to.” 

(edited by Amol Awuor)