Re-elect Khalwale, Kenneth, Jirongo, Kituyi tell Ikolomani residents

By ALLAN KISIA Barely two days after Ikolomani by-election date was announced, two MPs visited the constituency and announced they are in solidarity with area former legislator Bonny Khalwale.
MPs Peter Kenneth and Cyrus Jirongo and former Trade Minister Mukhisa Kituyi said they were in full support of Dr Khalwale re-election bid.
The three, however noted that they were not on a campaign trail as the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) is yet to give the official period.
"We just want to tell you to have peaceful campaigns when the time comes. We also want to tell you to re-elect Khalwale owing to his performance record in Parliament and at the constituency," said Kenneth.
Kenneth, who is an assistant minister in the Ministry of Planning and the MP for Gatanga, said Khalwale would play a key role in the implementation of the constitution.
"He will stand firm and take those dragging the process head on. Make sure you re-elect him," he added.
Jirongo said Parliament has become a boring place with the absence of Khalwale.
"People nowadays are not glued to their television sets to watch Parliament live," he added.
Kituyi reiterated Kenneth’s and Jirongo’s sentiments and asked locals to vote for Khalwale in forthcoming by elections.
The three made the remarks in Bushiangala during football tournament pitting local teams.
IIEC chairman Issak Hassan in Friday’s gazette notice announced that Ikolomani by-elections will be held on May 23.
He said political parties should have completed their nominations by April 21. On April 27 and 28, candidates will hand in their nomination papers.
Khalwale lost his seat on February 18 after a Kakamega court nullified his re-election citing irregularities during the polls.
Earlier, Kenneth, Jirongo and Kituyi graced the first graduation ceremony of Vihiga Teachers Training College in Vihiga County.
Kenneth, who was the chief guest, said Kenya has been blocked f from moving forward because of negative ethnicity.
"The problem in Kenya is that anytime we are on the right path, tribalism come in and destroys everything," he said.
He said tribalism has been the major setback to development and growth of the country.
Kenneth told youths no avoid electing leaders based on where they come from.
"Elect leaders in terms of their abilities and not because of the tribes they represent," he added.