NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 15 – Civic leaders including Mayors and Chairmen of all county and urban councils from lower Eastern Province have dismissed claims that Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka does not command total support in the larger Ukambani region.
The leaders said contrary to the perception being perpetuated by some individuals, the Vice President enjoys and will continue to command support following his recognition as the de-facto Kamba leader.
"We are solidly behind the Vice President and we are convinced his chances of ascending to the country\’s leadership in the next election are high," said the leader of the team who is also the Makueni County Council Chairman Bernard Musau.
Speaking to the media in Nairobi after the group paid a courtesy call on the VP at his Jogoo House offices, Mr Musau said all civic leaders from the region have resolved to rally behind the VP and mobilise other people from the region and beyond to back him for the country\’s presidency come the 2012 general elections.
"As grassroots leaders, we recognise the VP as the de-facto leader in the region. We want the Vice President to do his work for Kenyans knowing that back home his popularity is intact," the leaders stressed.
Their visit came hot on the heels of another delegation of leaders from Mount Elgon who were hosted by the VP at his Yatta farm over the weekend and who assured him of their support come 2012.
The Ukambani leaders said the recent referendum voting pattern did not reflect popularity of any politician from the region saying that a referendum was different from a competitive election.
The leaders said after passing of the new Constitution it was time now for Kenyans to concentrate on the implementation of the document.
The leaders included Mayors from Machakos, Kitui and Mavoko; County Council Chairmen from Makueni, Mtito Andei, Kitui, Mwingi, Wote, Kangundo, and Matuu.
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