Kiyiapi launches presidential bid

By PETER ORENGO

Former PS James ole Kiyiapi launched his presidential bid yesterday with a call to Kenyans to overhaul the country’s leadership.

Prof Kiyiapi who will be vying on the Restore and Build Kenya (RBK) party ticket also presented the party’s manifesto.

Speaking to hundreds of followers who attended his rally at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre grounds, the former Permanent Secretary said Kenyans had an opportunity to change the way politics is done by choosing new leaders.

"It is my conviction that the coming election will mark a critical turning point in Kenya. We must first reject violence in politics and lay a new foundation for our beloved nation," said Kiyiapi.

He said his resolution to enter politics was made after years of observation, reflection and consultation.

"I do not come to this race with any illusions about the challenges of elective politics. Many people told me how politics is dirty but I am here because someone has to rise to the occasion and change Kenya," said Prof ole Kiyiapi.

He was accompanied by his wife Lucy Kiyiapi and other party officials, most of who are little known in political circles.

He said over the next two months, the party would be unveiling a strategic framework on how to deal with youth unemployment. The only notable personality at the function was Sarah Bonaya Godana, an East African Legislative Assembly MP.

Last week Prof Kiyiapi become the first high profile civil servant to officially resign from this Government to take a shot at elective politics.