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Raila seeks to consolidate Kisii vote

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Published on Monday, 19 September 2011 18:29

Prime Minister Raila Odinga held talks with Gusii professionals ahead of a planned weekend tour of the region.

Raila met professionals mainly allied to ODM at Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, where issues touching on the economy, development and politics of the Gusii community featured.

The meeting held on Tuesday night was jointly convened by former PS and Kitutu Chache ODM Chairman James Ongwae and the partys Executive Director Janet Ongera.

Mr Ongwae who is chair of Kisii professionals on Thursday told The Standard that this was meant to chart the communitys development agenda and review ODMs support at the grassroots.

About 300 professionals from various fields were present.

Medical Services minister Prof Anyang Nyongo, his Public Works counterpart Chris Obure, Public Health Assistant minister James Gesami and Bonchari MP Charles Onyancha also attended the meeting.

In a memorandum read by Ongwae, the professionals asked the PM to help establish a Banana Development Authority in Kisii to facilitate construction of a fruit factory, establish a water services board in Kisii, tarmack roads, address declining education standards and ensure the youth and women enterprise funds benefit the community.

On politics, the professionals expressed confidence in the PM saying he was a leading contender for the presidency.

"The PM is our candidate of choice as Kisii professionals and he needs to know that we fully support his course and reciprocate by addressing the plight of our people," Ongwae said.

On appointments, the professionals petitioned the PM to ensure equitable distribution of the national cake. Raila promised to work with the community and said he knew Abagusii as hard working people.

The PM is expected in Kisii on Sunday and is scheduled to attend a church function at St Pauls Gekano Catholic Church before holding a leaders meeting at a Kisii hotel later.