Ondieki explained that if elected, he will focus on rooting out graft which he says sets back the County Government’s agenda for Nairobi residents/FILE
Speaking to Capital FM News, Ondieki who attributed his woes to differences with Governor Evans Kidero emphasised that he has what it takes to make the county better.
Ondieki explained that if elected, he will focus on rooting out graft which he says sets back the County Government’s agenda for Nairobi residents.
“Several of us who want to be governor are coming together… and I am one of them. It is within my political rights to aspire to be the Governor of Nairobi, then we come together and share ideas on how best can we realise this objective,” he stated.
He said that he realises that there are going to be several candidates and nobody can stop them because it is their democratic right.
“If you look at the political dispensation as it is unfolding, in 2017, anybody can declare their intention to vie for the post of governor. That is the democracy we fought for, that is the value in Article 38 of the Constitution,” he said.
“That is the value in Article 32, the freedom of conscience. These values are not just aspirations on paper. If it is the duty of all of us to make sure that these becomes part and parcel of our lifestyles.”
He stressed that if elected into office, he would ensure that the challenges encountered within the county government are dealt with expeditiously.
“You look at the kind of things we want to do and they are inspirational. The problem is that as you intend to do some of these things, you encounter challenges. Part of the challenge in City Hall is that the buck stops with the governor and he cannot have excuses anywhere,” he said.
He further pointed out that he will advocate for an all inclusive government.
“He was elected with the people through popular mandate so there are no excuses. He does not want to hear criticism, even constructive criticism that we can engage in debate or ideas that is healthy,” he stated.
Ondieki has in the recent past endorsed former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru for the post of governor but pointed out that anyone has a right to vie for the seat.
“Let people express themselves and I believe strongly that there are going to be several candidates and nobody can stop them because this is a democracy and then the people can decide. But as a county, we had the vision of the county as a team and if these ideas are implemented to the letter, the county would be very far,” he stated.
Kidero sacked his staunch supporter last month and appointed the Urban Renewals and Housing CEC Tom Odongo in an acting capacity to the post.
Ondieki had in July last year been put on the spot after allegations emerged that he was cavorting with Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru who is rumoured to be eyeing the governor’s seat in the next elections.
He attributed his dismissal to his honesty and ability to speak his mind without fear.
Ondieki described his firing as unfair, revealing that on many occasions he disagreed with Kidero causing a rift between the two of them, giving an example of a confrontation during a meeting of the county Cabinet.
He has filed a case challenging his sacking.
About The Author
