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Kalonzo and Tuju at Yatta/VPPS

Kenya

Councillors must not be degree holders – VP

YATTA, Jan 3 – Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka on Monday hosted several leaders from across the country in a luncheon to usher in the New Year at his Yatta home, amid calls on Kenyans to maintain peace and harmony during this electioneering period.

Speakers who included presidential aspirant Raphael Tuju emphasised the need for Kenyans to regard each other as brothers and sisters and engage in peaceful activities for the sake of stability and development.

Musyoka said there was need to amend sections of the Constitution which bar councillors from vying as county representatives on grounds that they are not degree holders.

He said the level of education should not be mandatory for those individuals who want to contest civic wards in the county assembly.

“It is unfair for MPs to be elected to Parliament irrespective of their level of education while councillors on the other hand are subjected to certain level of education before contesting,” he said.

Musyoka said there was need to intensify national reconciliation and integration efforts and create a cohesive and harmonious society in which every citizen will have a true sense of belonging.

He said he will ensure continued implementation of the new Constitution especially the innovative system of devolution which transfers responsibility to the grassroots.

Musyoka said that there was need to discourage those who are inclined to create conflict and incite violence during elections.

”Let it be known to every Kenyan especially anyone who calls himself or herself a leader that this year’s election must and will have to be peaceful,” he said.

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The Vice President gave his commitment to building a strong campaign front of parties, leaders and Kenyans who share national ideals and aspirations.

”We are committed to strengthening the economy to create jobs, bring forth wealth to our people, and banish poverty from our midst,” Musyoka said.

He noted that there was need to building a strong and harmonious nation free of ethnic or other suspicions and animosity besides ensuring peace and security among all the Kenyan ethnic communities.

The Vice President said that the government will work hard to increase investment in agriculture, commerce, industrialisation, expand the economy, create more jobs and realise higher incomes for the people.

Saying that the newly re-branded Wiper Democratic Party is ready to work with like-minded parties and individuals in pursuit of the country’s presidency in the next elections, the VP urged those available to give it the necessary support.

”I will be counting on you to organise support for our campaign in your respective counties and across the nation,” he said.

Tuju said leaders should show their seriousness in fighting negative ethnicity, noting that tribalism was the major problem facing this country.

He said the next president must prioritise peace and creation of employment opportunities for the youth.

Among those who attended the function included legislators David Musila (Mwingi South), David Ngugi (Kinangop), Gideon Ndambuki (Kaiti), Linah Kilimo (Marakwet East), Wilfred Machage (Kuria), Mohammed Affey (nominated), Philip Kaloki (Kibwezi), Abdi Sasura (Saku), Isaac Muoki (Kitui South), Daniel Muoki (Mwala) Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town) Itwiku Mbai (Masinga) several university professors, and leading businessmen.

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Former cabinet ministers Moses Akaranga and Nyiva Mwendwa were present as well as elders from the Kamba, Mijikenda, Luhya, Kisii, Luo and Meru communities.

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