Mumias East MP and National Assembly Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali, speak during Jubilee Party's rally in Kakamega September 30, 2017. [Photo|PSCU]
A host of former opposition diehards, including Paul Otuoma, Ababu Namwamba, Alfred Khangati and Moses Akaranga came out strongly in support of President Kenyatta, urging residents to shun the opposition, NASA.
Uhuru, accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, also emphasised Jubilee’s stand on changing the electoral laws, saying it would ensure transparency and accountability on the part of electoral officials.
“The changes will entrench transparency in the electoral process and guarantee free, fair and credible elections,” Kenyatta said as he told opposition leader Raila Odinga to stop interfering with the October 26, elections in the hope getting powers through the backdoor.
“There is no other route to the presidency except through the ballot box,” Kenyatta reminded the opposition leader, Saturday.
He showcased Jubilee’s development history of the last four-and-a half years including the unprecedented construction of new roads, expansion of electricity connection to households and installation of state-of-the-art medical equipment in two leading hospitals in each of the four counties.
Ruto censured the opposition for dividing Kenyans on ethnic grounds at the expense of focusing on issues that can unite the country.
“The opposition should focus on issue based politics instead of concentrating on tribal based politics to achieve their selfish agenda,” said Ruto.
He told members of the Luhya community to reject the opposition and support Jubilee because of its development agenda for the region and the country.
The DP thanked the people of Western Kenya for rallying behind the Jubilee’s call for unity and progress, noting that the region gave the ruling party eight Members of Parliament in the August 8 polls.
“With open arms, we have come here to tell you that we are ready to work with you. The outdated politics of tribalism has no place in the Kenya of today."
They leaders said the region has witnessed unprecedented development in the last four-and-a-half years, adding that residents stood to benefit more from the Jubilee administration than from the opposition.
“We will mobilise our people to ensure you get more votes in the October 26 fresh election than you did on August 8,” Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali who is also the National Assembly Chief Whip assured President Kenyatta as he lambasted opposition leader Raila Odinga for misleading the Luhya community.
“The ‘Luhya nation’ has woken up and do not want to be left out of Government because we know Kenyans will once again reconfirm President Kenyatta as the people’s popular choice,” he added.
The leaders included Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka; MPs Benard Shinali (Ikolomani, Jubilee), Moses Malulu Injendi (Malava, Jubilee), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakolo, Jubilee), Moses Wekesa Mabonga (Bumula, Ind.) and Didmus Wekesa Barasa (Kimilili, Jubilee).
Others speakers were Daniel Wanyama (Webuye West, Jubilee), Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon), former Vihiga Akaranga, Paul Otuoma who was yesterday formally received to Jubilee by President Kenyatta, Khangati who vied and lost the Bungoma gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket and former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende among others.
Veteran politicians Fred Gumo, Musikari Kombo and Noah wekesa also addressed the meeting, urging Odinga to retire from politics to give room for the country to progress under the youthful leadership of Kenyatta and his deputy.