Pokot elders endorse CORD’s Moses Wetang’ula for 2017 presidential race

KANDUYI: Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula has received support to run for the 2017 presidential race from Pokot elders.

Speaking at the senator’s Kanduyi home on Sunday when he led the delegation of over a 100 elders, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, said that Wetang'ula had the wisdom required to lead Kenya in 2017.

"God has already chosen this man (Wetang'ula) to lead this country because of the wisdom and leadership characters he has shown in different ministerial positions. As the current Senator of Bungoma and minority leader in the senate, who are we not to support him?" asked Moroto.

The legislator called on the Luhya community to unite first to strengthen the chances of one of their own being backed by other communities in the country.

"For anyone to ascend to power, they must have a home base that is strong enough to provide the initial boost. However, engaging in unnecessary fights could make it difficult for him (Wetang'ula) to get the backing he requires from other leaders in the region. We are ready to support Wetang'ula for presidency but you have to show us that you are united through cleaning your house first," said Moroto.

The Ford Kenya Party leader welcomed the support from the Pokot community whom he described as having a mutual relationship with him since 1992 when he was first nominated into parliament.

"I want your support as I prepare to run for the 2017 presidential race, I know it is a tough game full of roadblocks but with your support as it has clearly been manifested here through your leaders, I won't forget you once I ascend into power because you will be the biggest beneficiaries," said Wetang'ula.

The Senate minority leader called on the Pokot community to fully support the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) Okoa Kenya’s signature collection for an impending referendum push for the money to be sent to counties for development.

He assured the community that once the referendum sails through, it's the Counties like Pokot that will be the biggest beneficiaries having been marginalized for so long by the past regimes.

"You will be the biggest beneficiaries if our push for the referendum goes through because you will be allocated 40 percent of the total state budget and if your counties are given the maximum Sh10 to Sh15 billion annually then development will be realized in your areas of jurisdiction," noted Wetang'ula.

Present during the meeting were Ferdinand Wanyonyi, nominated Mp Patrick Wangamati, Pokot and Luhya Council of elders who promised to support Wetang'ula to run for the highest seat in 2017.