Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has urged political leaders to differentiate between the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and 2022 succession, while faulting some political parties for putting the country in a campaign mood.
Speaking at Psiwo Primary school in Ortum on Saturday during a fundraiser in aid for 43 women groups, Moi faulted some political parties for engaging in early campaigns. of campaigning for 2022 when the time for campaigns is unripe.
The Baringo senator asked politicians to tone down their political rhetoric until 2022 when voters will be ready to decide leaders of their choice at the ballot.
“In 2022 politics, we are putting trust in God when it reaches that time and the common person will decide who is who in various seats. It is unfortunate that some politicians are already campaigning for presidential seat,” said Moi.
The senator said he is ready to go back to Mogotio and weed sisal should voters reject his candidacy.
“If Kenyans will tell my brother Ruto he is unfit he should accept to go back to Sugoi and sell chicken,” he said.
He urged politicians to respect the people’s opinion and avoid unnecessary politics.
The senator lauded all the county assemblies that passed the BBI bill maintaining that he will rally behind the Bill once it is tabled in the Senate.
“Will pass it on the second half game and when it reaches at the referendum stage, I am pleading with you my people to pass it. We will campaign for BBI at the grassroots because it advocates for goodies for all,” he said.
He reiterated that once the Bill passes, counties will secure a 35 percent revenue allocation thus increased development to the devolved units.
“Even if you want to marry another wife you will be at liberty because counties will have adequate funds. No man can oppose that because education will be free. Undoubtedly hospitals, roads, security infrastructure will be improved,” said the Baringo senator.
He argued that the Baringo residents will vote for BBI because it is good for them despite a section of the county assembly members rejecting the Bill.
“Let us not mix 2022 politics with BBI. There are some leaders in this country already doing 2022 politics at the expense of the well-being of the common mwananchi,” he advised.
The senator, who is also the KANU national chairman, appealed to political leaders and hopefuls from West Pokot County to join the party ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Moi said Kanu welcomes members to join the vehicle adding that West Pokot county has been a Kanu zone since it won the governor, senate and members of county assembly seats in the 2017 polls.
Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio reaffirmed that West Pokot is a Kanu zone and assured the party leader of 100 percent support for presidency when the time comes.
Poghisio took a swipe at the area governor, Prof. John Lonyangapuo, who is also from KANU, for conspicuously missing at the event, saying as leaders they must toe the party line and respect the chairman.
“We will marshal voters for you to clinch the presidency. Those who want to leave the party, let them leave peacefully rather than abusing the party. I respect my party and Gideon Moi will still remain our party leader,” Poghisio said.
Tiaty MP William Kamket said he fully behind Gideon’s presidential aspirations.
“My brother has united with President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mt Kenya, Senator Moses Wetang’ula and Musalia Mudavadi in Western region, eastern region he has Kalonzo musyoka, in Coast Governor Hassan Joho among others who can enable him clinch the top seat,” he said.
Poghisio’s sentiments about Baringo being a KANU zone were echoed by Tiaty MP Kamket who trolled UDA party, chiding them for ‘injuries’ sustained in Western Kenya by-elections in Matungu and Kabuchai constituencies.
“I welcome new entrants to the party, I have seen former governor Kachapin in our midst, This is a sign that our party is growing,” said Kamket.
MPs Aden Keynan and Mohamed Hire from North Eastern region, Baringo Women Rep Gladwel Tungo, CAS Sports and Culture former governor West Pokot Simon Kachapin, county assembly speaker Catherine Mukenyang among others also drummed up support for BBI, arguing that the pastoral communities do not need wheelbarrows for development rather BBI to uplift their livelihoods.
