Wamalwa wants Western to field single candidate

By Sammy Jakaa and Grace Wekesa

WESTERN; KENYA: Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa has said Western region will rally behind a single presidential candidate.

Mr Wamalwa said the region would only be respected by other presidential hopefuls if they ‘speak with one voice.’

He added that leaders from the region are given a raw deal in alliances because they cannot deliver the Western vote as they are divided. “Everywhere we go, they want us to play second fiddle because we are divided. We need to speak in one voice for us to be respected,” said Wamalwa.

Formidable team

The New Ford Kenya presidential hopeful said Western Province had not fielded a presidential candidate since 2007, arguing it was time other regions supported a leader from the community.

He asked all presidential hopefuls from the region to come together and agree on one individual and form a formidable team before the December 4 deadline.

“We have in the past produced three vice-presidents. Do we want to produce a vice-president again,” posed Wamalwa.

He assured residents that they would not back down in their quest to succeed President Kibaki, adding that a leader from the community must be on the ballot.

Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo asked residents to register in large numbers to enable them compete favourably with other regions polls.

The Federal Party of Kenya presidential hopeful said the region had shown that it could work with other Kenyans, adding that it was their turn to support a leader from the community.

Strive for unity

They were speaking in Navakholo during their tour of Kakamega County on Sunday.  Lands assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli also appealed to western leaders not to allow outsiders divide them.