Senator Gideon urges leaders to support push for inclusive government

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi wants leaders to support the handshake and the push for reforms that will give Kenyans an all-inclusive government.

The Kanu chairman said that political leaders ought to put the interests of the country first by being selfless in serving.

Speaking during the funeral service of businessman Edgar Simiyu Masinde at Bilibili Secondary School in Tongareni Constituency yesterday, the senator said unity of the nation is paramount.

He underscored the need for political leaders to shelve the 2022 succession politics to focus on support President Uhuru Kenyatta to achieve his development agenda.

Supports handshake

“Politics can wait for now. Let us focus on working for the people with devotion because only God knows what 2022 will look like,” Gideon told hundreds of mourners who attended the service.

The senator said he supports the handshake between President Kenyatta and Opposition chief Raila Odinga and inclusivity because that is what will help Kenya move forward. 

Politicians from the region including Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi have indicated willingness to work with Gideon in forming a formidable political force going forward. But the Kanu chief has been categorical that he will make his political stand in regard to the 2022 presidential contests known at the right time. Governor Wycliffe Wangamati said leaders from Western support calls for a referendum. He, however, oppose Dr Ekuru Aukot’s Punguza Mizigo Bill.

“Punguza Mizigo could be having some good proposals but the Bill has a lot of shortfalls. We want a government that is inclusive and one that will allow Kenyans to live in harmony,” said the governor.

Politicians remain divided over the Bill. Raila is among those who have been urging Kenyans to back a referendum expected to be fronted by the Building Bridges Initiative taskforce.

Gideon eulogised the late Edgar as honest, compassionate and loving. It was the second time Gideon was visiting the county in less than two weeks.

Last Saturday, the Kanu chairman was installed as an elder at Kapsokwony in Mt Elgon, the cradle land of the Kalenjin community.

“I came here to condole with Dr Silas Simiyu following the death of his son. He (Simiyu) succeeded in establishing the geothermal energy project in Baringo County.”

Present were MPs Eseli Simiyu (Tongareni), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and Bungoma Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga and local MCAs.

Simiyu urged the Luhya community to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the 2022 polls. “You must go out and register as voters this early,” he said.

Ms Wambilianga regretted that corruption had left many Kenyans poor. “If only the situation was different, your lives would be better,” she said.

Barasa steered clear of politics, urging the government to put in place checks that will help control the influx of illegal and harmful food into the local market.

“We are talking about food such as the edible oil worth Sh10 billion impounded over a year ago but was released the other day,” said Barasa.

Barasa claimed cartels had infiltrated almost every sector in government.