By Patrick Muthuri
MERU, KENYA: Restore and Build Kenya party presidential aspirant James ole Kiyiapi has warned Kenyans against electing ‘recycled’ leaders.
Prof Kiyiapi said Kenya needs new faces in leadership and not the same leaders who had failed to represent the needs of all Kenyans.
“This country needs professionals to run its affairs unlike politicians who have been there and have done nothing for the past 50 years,” Kiyiapi said.
Kiyiapi asked the youth to stand up for the nation and determine the future they and their children want to lead.
“Time has come for the youth to shape the future of this country. Any leader from any tribe can lead this nation,” he said.
He lamented at the way politicians have taken citizens for a ride over the years at the expense of good education, economic growth, healthcare, security and food sustainability. “Come March 4, there won’t be a runoff since Kenyans will vote in a president who will represent their needs and work for the good of this country.” he said
Kiyiapi, who was accompanied by his running mate Winfred Kaburu at Maua in Meru County, urged the youth to also vie for elective positions so as to determine laws that will spur growth right from the grassroots to the helm of the government.
Gender balance
“My partiality for Mrs Winnie is purely based on merit and gender balance. She is a renowned scholar, a businesswoman, a mother and a person of high integrity with a clean track record whom we can share the same ideologies,” he said.
Kiyiapi promised a 50-50 per cent gender share should he be elected into office, saying this was the only way to promote and ensure gender equity across the country.
“Total balance in the public sector must be enhanced. Women should play the role they are meant to because since they play a big role in development,” he said.
