Education PS Prof James ole Kiyiapi. Photo/ FILE
By LILLIAN ONYANGO
Posted Sunday, April 15 2012 at 13:28
Posted Sunday, April 15 2012 at 13:28
Education Permanent Secretary James ole Kiyiapi says he will resign this week to concentrate on his presidential campaign.
He also said his party – Restore and Build Kenya (RBK) – will launch its manifesto on Sunday after he formally quits the Civil Service in the course of the week.
Mr Kiyiapi made the announcement during a Sunday service at the Nairobi Pentecostal Church.
“This week will be my last one in Civil Service and I wanted to start with prayers,” he said adding that he is very committed to his course of becoming the next president of Kenya.
He said the timing of his resignation was strategic as he had planned his exit to coincide with the academic calendar, as schools closed last Friday, and last year’s national examinations had already been announced.
Indeed, earlier in the year, the PS had shared his intention to resign from his position much earlier than the stipulated seven months for public servants who wish to run for political office.
He added that the Constitution, in making the provision was fair to civil servants arguing that the time period was too long.
“For me, I had designed to leave within such a time to give myself ample time for the campaign,” Mr Kiyiapi said. “I have run three ministries well and I am sure that I can run my campaign.”
Only this year did he identify the party, RBK, under which he will be running for the top seat.
The party will launch its manifesto at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on April 22.
“Kenyans who are looking for a new change, a different alternative and a patriotic leader should back and support my campaign,” he told journalists after attending the service.
However, Mr Kiyiapi was quick to add that his campaign will not be one to reinvent-the-wheel.
“I plan to maximise on the available resources, such as the youthful population, and use them in a better coordinated and organised manner,” he said.
At the same time, the party chairman popular gospel singer Reuben Kigame also took to the pulpit confirm that he will also be going for political office as he will run for governor for Vihiga County.
And given Kenya’s ebb and flow for political alignments, Mr Kiyiapi said he would consider making alliances but only with people of his school of thought.
“I would consider working with people whose politics is not tribal-based and who do not have the simple agenda to win elections,” he explained.
Mr Kiyiapi let in that youth empowerment, education, national security and healthcare will be top on his agenda when he hits the campaign trail.
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