Senior citizens to play crucial poll role, says VP

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Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said elders will play a crucial role in national cohesion leading to the next General Election August 2, 2012. FILE 

By VPPS
Posted  Thursday, August 2  2012 at  14:08

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said elders will play a crucial role in national cohesion leading to the next General Election.

Mr Musyoka said their role in offering wise counsel to the youth and politicians is fundamental as Kenya cannot afford to go back on the gains made to unite communities after the 2007/08 post election violence.

He assured the elders that it was his desire to work for the peaceful co-existence of all Kenyan communities as he seeks the presidency.

“What is the point of fighting to win an election only to discover in the long run that there is no country to lead,” he said during a meeting with the Kipsigis Council of Elders at his Nairobi home Wednesday evening.

The VP encouraged the elders to be forthright in their advice to politicians in order to ensure the country came first as opposed to individual interests.

The elders, led by chairman Josiah Sang, said they will work for the interest of the country because it was important to ensure future generations enjoy peace and a sense of nationhood.

Others included ambassador Joshua Terer, Bishop Leleito and women leaders drawn from Bomet and Kericho Counties.

Ambassador Terer said the government should always ensure that sensitive issues that touch on farmers, especially on land and support on agricultural production are prioritised.

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Several elders who spoke urged Mr Musyoka to build his presidential bid on building networks across all communities, especially among the minorities so that no community feels excluded from power.

The VP’s meeting came hot on the heels of similar forums held with elders from Mbeere, Embu, Marsabit and Moyale last week.

During the meeting the leaders pledged to support the VP to consolidate the Eastern voting bloc and to intensify peacemaking initiatives in the region.

Mr Musyoka has also met Pokot, Sabaot and Bukusu leaders in similar peace building efforts.

He is expected to pitch tent in Kajiado County this weekend for a series of campaign rallies.