www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]

Kalonzo traverses Gusii land

Details

Published on Sunday, 31 July 2011 00:52

As the Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties entered its second day Monday, leaders in the two counties expressed support for the VP's quest for the presidency come 2012.

Leaders from the region who included assistant minister Richard Onyonka (Foreign Affairs), former cabinet minister and Ford - People Chairman Henry Obwocha, Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati, nominated MP George Nyamweya, several civic leaders and professionals described Mr. Musyoka as a clean leader who has not been tainted by any form of corruption or abuse of leadership position.

The Vice President while addressing a leaders' meeting at St. Vincent pastoral Centre in Kisii town promised a democratic process in the nomination of presidential aspirants and rooted for support from the area residents.

He told the leaders that it was time the country embrace and benefit from servant leadership style of stewardship where peace and national cohesion is guaranteed.

‘'This country requires a crop of leaders who will serve the nation devoid of negative ethnicity but promotion of peace and unity as people of one nation,'' said Mr. Musyoka.

The VP who had a day long busy schedule graced a fundraising at St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic Church, Kionge, called on religious faiths to pray for the nation for continued peace and smooth implementation of the new Constitution that will guarantee regional balance where all communities are entitle to their share of national resources.

At the Gusii University College during a breakfast meeting hosted by the students welfare, the VP encouraged students to be innovative and utilize their time at the university to prepare well to tackle challenges in life.

Mr. Musyoka promised an elaborate master plan for the country's youth to enable them utilize their potentials by providing them with opportunities to exercise their talents and play their part in nation building.

He said the country's youth who form the majority of the population are in a position to bring about positive change for the better of this country, if only they are empowered and given opportunity to realize and translate their dream.

Before concluding his tour of the lower Nyanza, the Vice President is scheduled to spread tentacles of his ODM-K influence in the region by opening offices in Nyamira and Borabu in Nyamira County.

Mr. Musyoka is also expected to attend several harambees that include one in Nyambaria secondary school and Eronge SDA primary school before visiting Rebirigo farmers' society among other activities.

During the tour, leaders assured him of the community support and asked him to frequently visit the region to expound on his leadership agenda.

They also asked him to consider naming one of their own as his running mate. Richard Onyonka in particular declared his interest and offered himself for the VP's running mate.

Obwocha on his part said the VP was well suited to rise to the country's top leadership position owing to his long experience in the country's helm both as MP for over two decades and as senior minister in both former President Moi's government and President Kibaki administration.

They also described Musyoka as peace broker and an icon in conflict resolution in Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa, having successfully participated in the drafting of Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Accord that culminated cease fire and ultimately into a new South Sudan.

Away from politics, the VP had time to also attend some official obligations under his docket.

He inspected the ongoing construction of probation staff quarters in Kisii town before making a tour of area GK prison.

Speakers who also included assistant minister Beatrice Kones, PNU Chief Whip Johnstoner Muthama, Victor Munyaka (Machakos town) Gideon Mbuvi alias Sonko (Makadara) among other leaders cautioned Kenyans against the repeat of 2007 general election where several lives were lost and property destroyed due to political differences.

They urged all the different communities in Kenya to bury their hatchet and co-exist harmoniously irrespective of their individual interests or political party persuasions.

‘' Do not gamble with your votes but utilize your democratic right wisely by voting in a national leader who is trustworthy, corruption free and one who has interest of the nation at heart,'' said Mr. Nyambati.

The Vice President also promised a vibrant economy, rule of law, equitable distribution of national resources under his administration.

‘' There will be no community claiming to be sidelined or marginalized on the basis of gender. Every Kenyan will have a role to play to ensure prosperity in all spheres of development......Yes we can,'' said Mr. Musyoka amid applause from the Kisii university community.

Mr. Simeon Nyachae who is still viewed as a political pillar in the Gusii community sent greetings through the VP and gave his contribution to the St. Josephine Catholic Church harambee to Mr. Musyoka.

Many observers believe that mzee Nyachae gave his blessings to the VP's visit to Kisii and Nyamira thus raising Mr. Musyoka's chances of garnering support of the community.

Mr. Onyonka said the Gusii community welcomed all presidential aspirants to sell their agenda ahead of 2012 general elections, adding that the community will vote in a leader who will guarantee their development interests.