By Standard Team
The controversy over the cancellation of the electronic voting kit tender dominated the campaigns of several presidential aspirants over the weekend.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, back on the road after a two-week absence, assured his constituents in Langata that the Government would do its best to ensure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) adopts electronic voter registration instead of manual voting. President Kibaki and the PM are set to meet top IEBC officials today at Harambee House over the matter.
“We will have a meeting tomorrow to ensure that the company that is awarded the tender provides us with a tamper proof voter registration system,” said Raila.
And speaking in Meru County last evening, Eldoret North MP William Ruto at a rally of his United Republican Part (URP), also asked the IEBC to conduct go for biometric voter registration (BVR) to avoid past election pitfalls.
Ruto called on Kenyans to put aside personal and party interests and unite to ensure a peaceful general election, and urged voters in Meru County to choose leaders capable of fulfilling their pre-election promises.
Adding his voice to the call for IEBC to reconsider its decision to go back to manual registration, Trade Minister and presidential aspirant Moses Wetangula said Kenya couldn’t afford another disaster as it is yet to heal from the effects of post-election violence blamed on manual voting.?
Wetangula, who is the Ford Kenya party leader, was speaking in Kisauni, Mombasa Count. He said there is no better alternative to the biometric voter registration system because it is real time.?
Raila, in an apparent reference to Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi’s departure from ODM a few months ago, said the move did not affect the party’s popularity in the country.
Speaking in his Langata stronghold of Kibera, Raila asked ODM supporters to remain behind the party as they work together to deliver victory in the coming elections.
“Those who left ODM went alone and their departure was of no consequence because the party still enjoys a lot of goodwill and support,” said Raila.
Mudavadi, who also held meetings in Nairobi, asked Kenyans to use the next seven months to seriously think about the kind of leadership they want for the country.
He cautioned Kenyans against allowing wealthy politicians to make the last minute dash and influence the way they will vote at the General Elections.
“You have seven months to think about it. Don’t let those who will come with briefcases at the last minute to change the decisions you will have made,” he added.
He reiterated that it was time for Kenyans to make serious decisions for the country.
Mudavadi made the remarks on Sunday evening in Kangemi, Nairobi, where he had taken his presidential campaigns.
In Meru, Ruto once again expressed his interest in working with Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi and called for a merger between the Alliance Party of Kenya and URP.
He said for a long time, the ‘Bus’ has lacked a driver and expressed his optimism that he is the best qualified person to drive it to State House due to his experience and track record.
“Kiraitu has a bus which unfortunately lacks a driver and he should not be disturbed because I strongly feel I am the best person capable of driving it to State House,” he said at a church service in Maua Catholic Church.
The Eldoret North MP said if elected he will decentralise the National Land Commission to hasten the process of issuing title deeds so that farmers can access farming
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta also intensified his presidential bid, lashing out at opponents he claimed were propagating falsehoods that he would not be in the race to succeed Kibaki next year.
The DPM who was campaigning in Kajiado North Constituency said some politicians were spreading lies claiming he would eventually back other presidential candidates to divide his support to their advantage. Uhuru said he is capable of speaking for himself on any matter.
“I am in the race and I want to remind those spreading the falsehood that I have a mouth to speak for myself. I went to The Hague and defended myself and as such I do not need anyone to talk on my behalf,” said Uhuru in a terse statement.
The DPM also told those waiting to capitalise on his International Criminal Court (ICC) trial to expect a rude shock, saying The Hague proceedings will not stop him from seeking the presidency.
