VP ‘hands over’ Poghisio to URP

By LUCAS NG’ASIKEA

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has declared he has parted ways with party chairman Samuel Poghisio.

Kalonzo declared that he had “officially” handed him over to the United Republican Party (URP) led by Eldoret North MP William Ruto.

He said Poghisio’s defection from his Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) party was inevitable, as the country had witnessed mushrooming of political parties in the recent past.

The VP, however, appeared to regret Poghisio’s defection when he recalled that in 2008, he gave Poghisio one of the Cabinet positions allocated to him as he comes from a marginalised area.

“I have officially handed him over to URP, but there is no cause for worry because URP is in G7 that Wiper is part of,” said Kalonzo.

Best-suited

He said the G7 alliance was still united, adding he was the best-suited candidate to be the alliance’s flag bearer.

Kalonzo added he stood a good chance of becoming the country’s fourth president owing to his experience and clean record in public service.

Speaking in Lodwar during the second day of his tour of Turkana County, Kalonzo urged the pastoralist community to support his bid, saying he understood the challenges they face.

“I come from a marginalised community and I understand your problems. So if you send me there, you will be sending one of you,” said the VP. Kalonzo promised to bring marginalised areas to the same level with other developed areas.

“Places like Turkana have lagged behind in development due to lack of proper leadership. I will provide that leadership,” he said.

The VP cited the recent oil discovery in the county, saying he would ensure that locals are the first to benefit from it.

He added that the Kitale-Lodwar-South Sudan road that is in a pathetic state would be his key priority if he becomes President.

“This is an international highway and there is no reason why it should not be made to this status,” said Kalonzo.

The VP added that he would also ensure communication in the region is improved to address rampant insecurity that has plagued the area for years.

“There is no reason why this area should lack communication network. That is why insecurity is the order of the day. We will transform Turkana into an investment destination,” he said.

Party leaders 

The Vice President addressed his party leaders at Lodwar Medical Training College before addressing a public baraza at Moi Gardens Stadium.

Mwala MP Daniel Muoki and Turkana Central MP Ekwee Ethuro who is in URP accompanied the VP.