Jua Kali artisans in Kisumu have pressed for election of new officials.
The artisans have moved to change the office after failure to get financial report from the current office concerning the fundraising presided over by Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The fundraiser led to the collection of more than Ksh8 million and members feel they have not been briefed on the financial status.
The artisans met and resolved to have an election to bring in new officials who are capable of running their affairs in a transparent manner.
The meeting chaired by their ward representative Isaiah Onyango and the current chairman Otieno Ojwando managed to set up a team of 9 people to spearhead the election.
Onyango said within 21 days they will convene an annual general meeting to set the date for the election.
“For the last three years, the members have not been taken through their financial report and they feel the current office has let them down, so they want election,” he said.
He appealed to the artisans to conduct themselves with decorum during the campaigns to ensure they participate in a free and fair election.
Ojwando said he is ready for election and will defend his seat based on his development track record.
“My record speaks for itself and I will present myself to the people when that time comes,” he said.
He said those aspiring to contest any position must be members of the jua kali association but the voters must be jua kali artisans.