Kalonzo touts experience in bid for top seat

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Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka addresses a crowd in Isiolo town after opening a Wiper Democratic Party (WDP) office in the town. The VP was in the county to drum up support for his presidential bid. PHOTO / VPPS  

By VPPS
Posted  Sunday, November 4  2012 at  17:37

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Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka took his presidential campaigns to Isiolo County where he underlined his experience both in government and as a diplomat.

Addressing rallies in Kinna and Garbatula trading centres, the Vice President said he will fight tribalism and corruption and unite all communities.

"I have respect for all the presidential candidates but I want Kenyans to elect the person who has more experience in both local and international politics,’’ said Mr. Musyoka.

‘’ I have come here today to ask for your support in my presidential bid. My track record both in Kenya and the world speaks for itself. If you elect me as your president come the next general election, I will ensure that every Kenyan will enjoy peace, prosperity and security,’’ he added

Mr. Musyoka, who was accompanied by local county council chairman Adan Ali, said he will ensure the full implementation of the new constitution, noting that the new law will devolve power to grassroots and empower Kenyans economically, politically and socially.

The Vice President said he decided to form a coalition with President Kibaki’s PNU in order to save the country from eminent bloodshed.

"The President does not owe me anything since my decision was based on the best interest of the country. A good leader is one who sacrifices his personal interests for the good of the nation,’’ said Mr. Musyoka.

He said he stood for national healing and reconciliation as a means to the realization of a cohesive and prosperous united country.

Mr. Musyoka urged women to take advantage of the new constitution by competing for the positions which have been created for them in the new law.

He said that the Wiper Democratic Party is committed to peace and stability of this country and will not discriminate against any community.

The Vice President also met Garbatula leaders before opening the Wiper Democratic Movement Party office in the town.

Mr. Musyoka said there is need to fight tribal affiliations from all aspects urging voters to elect leaders irrespective of tribe.

‘’ Tribal affiliations should be fought from all aspects and voters should elect leaders not on tribal grounds but as a Kenyan,’’ he said.

‘’ I want to be the president of all Kenyans. People of this nation should rise above political orientations for the sake of the unity of our great nation,’’ he added

Mr. Musyoka cited the nomination of MPs Shakilla Abdalla and Mohammed Affey to Parliament after the last general election as one of the commitments by his party to the fight against tribalism.

He emphasized on the need for Kenyans to elect leaders at the county level who will well manage their resources if such areas have to be developed.

The Vice President promised to offer scholarship through Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation for two needy children (a boy and a girl) from the area up to university level as a show of his commitment to improving standards of education in the country and particularly in the marginalized areas of the country.

He asked residents in the area to take education of their children seriously, noting that it was through education that the many challenges facing the area could be solved.

The Vice President said the construction of Lamu Port will ensure roads in the region including Isiolo are improved

Mr. Ali emphasized on the need for Kenyans to vote individuals who are serious in uniting the different ethnic communities in the country.

He once again urged Kenyans to make use of the biometric voter registration to begin next week to register in large numbers so as to participate in the forthcoming general election.

Mr. Musyoka regretted that insecurity in some parts of the region has retarded the development, saying he will guarantee security of all Kenyans if given the opportunity to lead.