Kalonzo seeks votes in Central, Rift tour

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka is expected to continue with his forays in various part of the country Sunday as he seeks to woo voters ahead of the 2012 elections.

The VP will be in Limuru where he will be hosted by local MP Peter Mwathi before heading to the larger Kericho later Sunday.

Mr Musyoka’s handlers believe his visits in various parts of the country is paying dividends and would boost his popularity.

During his Limuru tour, the VP’s spokesman Kaplich Barsito said various Central Kenya MPs will also be at hand to receive Mr Musyoka as he seeks to cement his relationship in the region.

“In Kericho, the VP will preside over a leaders meeting before proceeding to Konoin on Monday for fund raiser for women groups as he introduces himself to voters ahead of next year’s elections. In fact, the VP will also inspect development projects and visit the Kericho Prison which falls under his Home Affairs docket,” Mr Barsito said.

A Synovate Research opinion poll released on Friday showed the VP’s popularity has improved, albeit slightly from 11 percent in March last year to 13 percent in April this year.

Last week, before receiving his allies-Mr Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr William Ruto- on their return from the International Criminal Court, Mr Musyoka had pitched camp in his Ukambani stronghold in a bid to consolidate his support. He held meetings with local leaders in Kitui and Makueni counties before presiding over an investment conference in Machakos.

The VP later joined President Kibaki in opening the Emali-Loitokitok road where he re-assured the President of support from locals until he completes his term.

During the 'homecoming' of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto after responding to ICC summons, renegade ODM member Najib Balala announced that they would move round the country under the leadership of Mr Musyoka to reconcile and unite Kenyans.

The group hopes to form a formidable team to give Prime Minister Raila Odinga a run for his money in 2012 elections.

The Kalonzo, Kenyatta and Ruto alliance also involves Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa who has since declared interest for the presidency.

Under the alliance, Mr Ruto, Mr Kenyatta and Mr Wamalwa are expected to propel the youth votes as Mr Musyoka acts as a bridge between them and the old.

Mr Musyoka’s supporters view him as a heir apparent to President Kibaki when he retires.