Kalonzo, Ruto pledge to improve food security

By TOBIAS CHANJI and VPPS

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Eldoret North MP William Ruto have asked Kenyans to coexist peacefully.

The two leaders said they were determined to ensure the country holds peaceful elections and avoid a repeat of post-poll violence.

The VP said his Wiper Democratic Movement party was determined to form the next government with other like-minded parties.

Kalonzo said the next Government, which he hopes to lead, would concentrate on promoting peace and national unity to accelerate economic growth.

He said through construction of dams for irrigation purposes, exploitation of minerals and development of the livestock industry, living standards in arid and semi-arid areas would improve tremendously.

The VP was speaking Thursday during a peace meeting between communities living in Bangale area, Bura Constituency in Tana River County and the larger Mwingi districts.

Ruto, who is United Republican Party (URP) leader, said peace was necessary to drive business, education, tourism and attract investors to improve the economy.

The former Agriculture minister said there was need to implement more irrigation projects in Tana River District to improve food security.

He said he was committed to ensure that Kenya attains food security to fight poverty.

On politics, Ruto denied claims that G7 was united to prevent an individual from ascending to power.

“It’s not in our agenda. It’s not even in our AOB. We are united to move Kenya to the next step. We shall do whatever it takes to remain united,” he said.
The MP urged the media to help foster peace in the country.

Spreading falsehoods
He denied claims by Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo that he has been sponsored to vie for the presidency.
“We are not projects and those peddling these reports are spreading falsehoods,” he said.

Earlier the MP toured Bura township in Bura constituency and said Kwale residents deserve to enjoy vast minerals and other wealth in the region.
He asked the constituents to vote for him and other leaders who have good credentials.

Dujis MP Aden Duale thanked all those who were involved in bringing peace to the communities in the region and said Garissa was the most affected by conflicts.

He called on all Kenyans to live harmoniously with one another, saying “you can’t choose your neighbour, as you can’t choose your mother and father”.

Mr Duale said URP was committed to uniting all pastoralist communities and form coalitions with other parties to unite Kenyans. Area MP Nuh Nasir urged all leaders to ensure that Kenyans remain united, saying conflicts were of no benefit to anybody.

He urged the Government to fast track issuance of identity cards to the residents. MPs Chachu Ganya (North Horr), Mohamed Hussein (Mandera East) and Kyuso DC Peter Maina were present.

Later, the VP conducted a funds drive to assist orphans left behind by their parents who died during the conflict between the Orma and Wardei communities.

Earlier at Ukunda in Kwale, Kalonzo said it is only through good leaders and his party that the region’s resources can be exploited to benefit locals.

“The resources that you have as a county, which include Titanium and the sugar factory need someone that is not greedy so that the youth can get employment. This is your wealth, be proud of it.

There are some of us who will even scare the investors once elected but as the next CEO of this country I will make sure other investors come in so that our people are empowered through the revenue accrued,” he said.