Mudavadi’s unity pledge

By Vincent Bartoo

RIFT VALLEY; KENYA: Amani presidential candidate Musalia Mudavadi toured post-election violence hotspots with a promise he would build on existing peace if elected.

Mudavadi continued with his Rift Valley campaign tour in Burnt Forest, Uasin Gishu County, one of the epicentres of the post-poll chaos.

The Deputy Prime Minister said if elected President, he would prioritise national cohesion, saying he was the right person to do it.

Bitter protagonists

Referring to Jubilee presidential aspirant, Mudavadi said he was not a bitter protagonist in the race for president and therefore was the right candidate for the job.

“My brothers on the other side are bitter protagonists who may inflame the country. During elections, we want someone to tone down these emotions. I am that person,” he said.

Mudavadi said that should he win in the March 4 polls, he would also take the initiative to unite supporters of CORD and Jubilee supporters.

Mudavadi held rallies in Burnt Forest, Cheptiret, Kesses and Langas, which bore the greatest brunt of the post-election violence.

New Ford-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa, Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat and outgoing MPs Yusuf Chanzu and George Khaniri, accompanied him.

National resources

Other local leaders included former nominated MP Mark Too, former State House Comptroller, Abraham Kiptanui, and URP aspirants who defected to UDF, Stephen Tarus, and David Koros.

Mudavadi further promised to share out national resources equally if he becomes Kenya’s fourth president.

“I will be a president for all and among the first gifts I will give all Kenyans is to actualise free secondary education,” he said.

Eugene told former warring communities in Rift Valley to use the March 4 General Election to heal the country.

Eugene said Mudavadi was the best candidate to cement the fragile peace that followed the 2007 elections. Salat said he was confident Rift Valley voters would consider electing Mudavadi since he had worked with former President Moi diligently.

Cut short trip

“When others abandoned Mzee in 2002 (General Elections), it was him who stood by the former President accepting to be his Vice-President. This is a genuine friend,” he said.

Yesterday, Mudavadi cut short a trip to West Pokot and instead chose to tour Uasin Gishu a day before Prime Minister’s scheduled tour.

Raila will today tour various parts of Uasin Gishu before a main rally at 64 Stadium, Eldoret.

Today, Mudavadi will also tour Baringo County to meet more supporters from Rift Valley.

Deputy Prime Minister urged Kenyans to embrace peace ahead of polls, saying he was the right candidate to champion development in the country after President Kibaki.

He promised to take the country’s leadership to better level after elections.