Ukambani leaders have said they are contented with the choice of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as Raila Odinga’s running mate.
Kalonzo and the ODM leader will fly the National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential flag during the August 8 general election.
They will fight it out with Jubilee Party’s President Uhuru Kenyatta in a competition that has also attracted 16 other candidates.
The leaders, during a meeting at Machakos Golf Club on Friday, said the community will rally behind the NASA coalition.
They include Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, former Lands CS Charity Ngilu, businessmen and church leaders.
The meeting was also attended by Governor Julius Malombe (Kitui), MPs Robbert Mbui (Kathiani), Patrick Makau (Mavoko), Jessica Mbalu (Kibwezi East), and Makali Mulu (Kitui Central).
Kibwana asked the residents to ignore a few elements deceiving them that they were shortchanged in the negotiations.
There was a lot of heat when the opposition team delayed naming its flag bearer following the push for Kalonzo to be named the candidate.
National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze led the campaign which was laced with a threat that the Wiper brigade will walk out of the negotiations.
“I have heard some people say that we were shortchanged but this is not true,” Kibwana said.
“Our son Kalonzo negotiated in the best way possible. As a community, we are proud he will be a Deputy President in the NASA government.”
He dismissed those rooting for the community to join Jubilee further challenging them to point out the position they could have got in the ruling coalition.
Ngilu, the Narc party leader, said there is nothing for the community to gain under the Jubilee government.
“Jubilee banked on me during the 2013 election for the Ukambani vote only for them to pay me with a donkey’s kick.”
She exuded confidence the NASA coalition will form the next government urging the locals to ensure that they come out in large numbers to vote.
“The current Jubilee formation is the same KANU we beat in 2002. This time round, we will actually beat them much easier,” she said.
Kalonzo extended an olive hand to those who lost in the Wiper party primaries to join forces with the winners.
He asked the community to prepare for the 2017 elections bearing in mind that they will be given better stakes in 2022.
“We are doing the 2017 elections with our eyes fixed on 2022. Every Kenyan now is aware that 2022 will be a culmination of the country’s unity,” Musyoka said.
He asked the community not to sympathise with Jubilee adding that it was time for the community to fight for its rightful place in the country’s politics.
Source link-the-star.co.ke
