Rushing to join JAP not right, says Gideon Moi

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi addresses residents of Kipsaraman in Baringo North over the weekend. He told residents to remain firm and avoid getting confused by the mushrooming political parties. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/ STANDARD]

KENYA: Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has warned Rift Valley residents against rushing to join the newly established Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP), saying the electorate were not properly informed prior to its formation and it would not go down well with the region’s political aspirations.

He said before telling the people to move to JAP, those concerned should have given a chance for dialogue and meaningful consultation among the major stakeholders in the region.

“Whoever is lecturing our people and telling them they must join JAP is dreaming. These people are not like sheep to be pushed and pulled in all directions. Proper and visionary dialogue must take place and residents’ views considered,” he said.

Speaking at a rally at Kipsaraman, the Kanu national chairman said time for leaders to understand that the country is driven through understanding and not chest-thumping was long gone.

The senator told the residents to remain firm and avoid getting confused by the mushrooming political parties.

“From here (Baringo), I am ready to visit all other parts of this country and talk to our citizens. I need to consult our friends, especially the pastoral communities on the next course of action,” said Gideon.

On the expected El Nino rains, the senator challenged leaders from Rift Valley to take in consideration the plight of hundreds of people evicted by the Government about six years ago from Mau Forest water tower and are still in the camps.

He said it was sad for the Government to allege to have raised billions for rebuilding after the expected destruction of property by the rains, with nothing on the plate for the Mau victims.

BANDITRY VICTIMS

“Leaders from Rift Valley have forgotten those they represent. God willing, we are planning to visit the camps and see what can be done ahead of the rains,” he said.

While appreciating the weekend tour to the region by Deputy President William Ruto to compensate victims of the 2007/08 post-election violence, Gideon asked the Government not to forget the victims of cattle rustling.

The senator was accompanied by Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat, Mogotio MP Prof Hellen Sambili, Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno and other Kanu leaders.

Mr Salat told the residents though he was not a member of United Republic Party, he was not ready to support establishment of JAP as the next political vehicle and advised them to troop back to the former ruling party.

Gideon said though they support anti-International Criminal Court prayers, former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Gladys Shollei as well as suspended Cabinet secretaries David Chirchir and Felix Kosgei should not be forgotten in the struggle for justice.