Pick leaders wisely in next poll, Gideon says

Methodist Church of Kenya Bishop Joseph Ntombura, nominated MP Maina Kamanda, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga in Meru. [Olivia Murithi, Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has called on Kenyans to wisely choose leaders in the next General Election.

Gideon urged Kenyans to ensure those elected had the ability to perform their duties and attend to the public’s needs.

The Kanu chairman, who spoke in Meru County yesterday, said: “The most important question you should ask yourself before choosing a leader is; can you trust that person with the future of your children?”

He added: “In the meantime, I wish to urge Kenyans to tone down on politicking and support President Uhuru Kenyatta in delivering his promises to the people and making Kenya a better place.”

Gideon said from his experience, every corner of the country was set to benefit from the Jubilee administration’s Big Four agenda.

“In fact, each region has a particular item in the Big Four agenda... In Baringo, for instance, our favourite is Universal Healthcare because a lot of our people have been suffering from ill health,” he said. 

He also urged Kenyans to support the handshake between the President and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying it had ensured national unity and cohesion.

Deputy President William Ruto and his allies have opposed the deal between Uhuru and Raila, which culminated in March 9, 2018 handshake, claiming it was aimed at wrecking the ruling coalition.

They have accused the ODM leader of trying to join Jubilee through the backdoor, claims dismissed by both Raila and the President. 

Several legislators who accompanied Gideon during a harambee at Runogone Methodist Church of Kenya (MCK), called on the President to get tougher on corrupt individuals, who they said should not be allowed to hold public office.

Nominated MP Maina Kamanda claimed some individuals had corruptly acquired billions of taxpayers’ money.

“It is this money that is being used to sway religious leaders through fundraisers. We are now seeing a trend where fundraisers are moving to personal ventures, to buy clergymen in the guise of supporting churches,” said Mr Kamanda.

Tiaty MP William Kamket, a close ally of Gideon, said the Kanu chairman was happy with a deal the party entered with Njuri Ncheke elders last year.

He urged Kenyans to carefully analyse all contestants before the next elections and reject “lords of corruption”.

“Ask yourself why all the corruption is linked to certain individuals and why those tainted with corruption are running to certain quarters for protection,” said Mr Kamket.

MCK’s head, Bishop Joseph Ntombura, said the church would accept donations from well-wishers but would not allow the donations to be used to blackmail them.