Kosgey to host thanksgiving ceremony in Kapsabet

By Vitalis Kimutai

Industrialisation Minister and ODM Chairman Henry Kosgey is on Saturday expected to host leaders from across the country at his Kapsabet home for a thanksgiving ceremony following his return to the Cabinet.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to grace the occasion where the ODM chairman who is seeking to be the PM’s running mate in the presidential race is expected to flex his political muscles.

“We expect a large number of people at the function to clearly demonstrate that ODM is the party to beat in the Rift Valley despite the propaganda being bandied around by our opponents,” David Koros, a former MP and ally of the minister, said.

Selfish gain

Kosgey, who is the Tinderet MP, returned to the Cabinet after several months in the cold because of cases he faced at the International Criminal Court in The Hague and at the High Court in Nairobi. Both cases have been dropped.

Members of the Rift Valley Professionals for Change led by its chairman Abraham Barno said in a statement yesterday they would join Kosgey in seeking to revitalise the party at the grassroots ahead of the General Election.

“The reinstatement of Kosgey back to the Cabinet has reinforced our resolve and motivation to embark on Raila’s presidential campaign,” they said.

?Barno said: “The Kalenjin community like the rest of the country appreciates Raila’s long struggle for democratic space and transformative and responsible leadership despite the constant lies by his detractors.”

“We have confidence that Kosgey will lead ODM members in Rift Valley and professionals in ensuring that the party wins,” the statement read.

Micah Kigen, the national chairman, Friends of Raila lobby group, said Rift Valley residents will support the PM and ODM candidates in the March 4 General Election.