Governor Kibwana [Photo: The Star]
Makueni County Boss Kivutha Kibwana has dropped out of the 9th August 2022 Presidential Election.
Speaking during Azimio La Umoja’s consultative meeting organized by ODM Boss Raila Odinga in Naivasha, Kibwana said that he will now support Odinga in his presidential bid.
He noted that this move follows consultations with the people of Makueni County.
“I consulted my people in Makueni and they gave me the go-ahead to support Azimio la Umoja,”
Prior to his announcement, Kibwana had declared interest in running for the country’s top seat.
He however hinted at resuming his presidential ambitions in the near future.
“They told me that I have age on my side and will resume my presidential ambitions in future,” said Kibwana.
According to the governor, he is supporting Odinga because he has fought for the country.
“Raila is the father of devolution and as the president, he will protect devolution. I m happy that the next president will take the country forward.”
Meanwhile, close to 30 governors attended the consultative meeting, saying they will support for Odinga’s candidature.
In the meeting the ODM Boss Odinga praised Kenya’s devolved government structure saying it has contributed to the country’s growth.
He however noted that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) would have further improved the country’s devolution process.
According to Odinga, the BBI sought to among others see through more resource allocation to the counties.
This would in turn empower Kenyans at the lower level, in different sectors such as the agriculture sector.
“Like in Nigeria, 20 percent of resources goes to the local government, 35 percent to the state government and 45 percent goes to the federal government,” said Odinga.
Leaders who attended the meeting included; Governor Charity Ngilu of Kitui, Embu Governor Martin Wambora and Governor Lee Kinyanjui of Nakuru.
On her part, Ngilu reiterated the satisfaction by governors in a leader who has defended devolution.
While lobbying Odinga’s bid, she pointed out the struggles encountered at the national government for resources in the previous regimes.
“We will go out of our way to ensure Raila Odinga is the president in August. There’s as danger in electing Ruto as the president as he has always opposed the Kenyan constitution,” said Ngilu.
The meeting followed Odinga’s first rally in Thika on Saturday, as well as the formation of a board for his 2022 campaign.
A newsmaker, reporter and anchor at Pearl Radio, Ndalilah Sharon is witty and savvy.
She is also a firm believer of Christ.