Moi urges support for Uhuru to spur growth

By ROBERT KIPLAGAT and LEONARD KULEI

BARINGO, KENYA: Former President Moi has asked Kenyans to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership to fulfil his development pledges.

Speaking during the re-launch of the famous Kimalel Goat Auction in Baringo County, Moi said Kenyatta was a good leader and that is why he chose him as a presidential candidate for Kanu in 2002 General Election.

“In 2002, I said ‘Uhuru Tosha’ because he had the potential. Kati ya wanaume wote na wanawake, nikaamua ni yeye anaweza na nafurahi wakenya walimchagua (In the midst of men and women, I found him (Uhuru) as the best and I am glad that Kenyans elected him,” said Moi, amid applause.

The former Head of State said people ignored his advice then but they realised years later that he was indeed right in his 2002 choice.

“Watu walirukaruka huko lakini yeye ni rais sasa kwa sababu ni kiogozi na niliona hayo,” he said. (People protested my choice then but now he is a president and a good leader). He however said that the President alone cannot run the country and called on all Kenyans to support him and his leadership for prosperity.

“We should not always blame the government for issues such as insecurity. The first security is you,” he said.

He also condemned tribalism terming it source of evil and selfishness a. Moi hit out at current MPs for shunning the locals grievances over claims they always want their money. “MPs should not always avoid the public. Some of them (MPs) think people only need money from them while they could be having issues they want addressed. Its a pity some even roll up their car windows to avoid people,” said Moi.

The former president urged the locals in arid areas in Baringo to use available resources to invest in the education of their children.

He said the main aim of reviving Kimalel Goat Auction was to uplift the lives of the locals who are mainly pastoralists.

Kenyatta urged leaders to shun petty politics and focus on development of their respective areas.

He hailed Baringo County government led by governor Benjamin Cheboi, for bringing back the cherished goat auction saying all the 47 counties should identify their unique resources for development and promised the national governments’ support.

Some Sh9,816,000 was realised from the sale of 1,159 goats and 68 sheep.

On insecurity, in pastoralist areas, the President urged locals to stop cattle theft as this was a criminal activity.

He said: “There is nothing as tradition in theft. Theft is theft and should be treated so. The government will take stern action against anyone involved in such retrogressive cultures.”