Locals rejoice as ‘Mt Elgon dream’ finally comes true Related News Mutua salutes Wavinya, pledges to work with her to develop region Nairobi County wishlist is long, roll up sleeves, start working Move fast to restore confidence in economy How Kenyans united for justice as well as peace SHARE THIS STORY

By Daniel Psirmoi

Trans-Nzoia, Kenya: As Kenyans celebrated the Uhuru Kenyatta win of the last week presidential contest, Mt Elgon residents described the win as a dream, born in that area, come true.

The residents received with jubilation the election of Uhuru as the fourth president, saying the ‘project Uhuru’ was born at Kapsokwony, a local centre, more than ten years ago.

They said they had interest in a Uhuru presidency because former President Moi made his first endorsement of Uhuru presidency at Kapsokwony in 2002.

Congratulates Uhuru

Residents, who were following the presidential results as they were being released by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, burst into songs to celebrate Uhuru’s victory.

Professionals from the Sabaot community both in Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties sent their congratulatory messages to the president-elect.

Speaking separately to The Standard, the professionals led by Hillary Masai arap Bokose, the Bungoma County Kuppet chairman, who also chairs the Elgon Professionals Association, said the community was proud to be associated with Uhuru, as he was first endorsed for the seat by former President Moi in the area.

“The locals are sentimental about Uhuru presidency because he was first endorsed by former President Moi for the seat at Kapsokwony in 2002,” said Bokose.

The Kuppet chair said the resounding victory Jubilee team got from the constituency was a testament to the connection the people have with Uhuru.

“We wish the new government success in the implementation of their manifesto. We hope he won’t forget us as his 11-year-old journey began here,” he said.

Former President Moi first named Uhuru as his preferred successor in Mt Elgon in July 2002 during a fundraising organised by professionals from the community for the Kapsokwony District Hospital.

Moi reportedly defended his declaration in the harambee by saying it was his democratic right.

Break trend

Vincent Sambrir, the EPA Secretary-General, who was in the committee that organised the harambee, said yesterday they are happy the dream of the former president has come true.

He said the group plans to erect a monument in honour of Uhuru in Kapsokwony.

Sambrir said they hope professionals from their marginalised community will not be sidelined in government appointments, as it has been the norm in previous regimes.