My credentials speak for themselves: Kalonzo

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has said he is the best person to reconcile Kenyans and foster national unity.

Mr Musyoka said if elected president next year, he would draw on his diplomatic experience to unite the country.

The VP said his record in peace building in the region where, as Foreign Affairs minister, he helped reconcile warring communities in Somalia and Sudan spoke for itself.

“The country needs a leader who can inculcate a sense of nationhood and belonging among Kenyans to achieve political stability and grow the economy,” Mr Musyoka said in Mwingi town.

The VP, who was accompanied by Finance minister Njeru Githae and Roads minister Franklin Bett on an inspection tour of the Mwingi-Kyuso road in his constituency, said political instability had a serious effect on the economy.

“Just like I did in Somalia and Sudan, I’ll strive to build on President Kibaki’s legacy by reconciling Kenyans irrespective of political, religious and social affiliation,” he said.

Mr Musyoka served as Foreign Affairs minister in President Moi’s government.

“This election is a big test for the country and must be peaceful because it will be a measure of our level of social cohesion and integration.”

The Mwingi North MP urged his supporters in Ukambani to allow fellow presidential aspirants to campaign peacefully in the region.

Ministers Githae and Bett, who were accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Lin Guangyuan, announced that an additional Sh500 million would be made available to extend the ongoing construction work to Kandwiya market in Kyuso District.

His comments were echoed by the two ministers who said peace was paramount for the country to spur greater economic growth and that those seeking leadership must promote peace and avoid political mudslinging.

Mr Githae said a political alliance would soon be formed encompassing like – minded leaders and political parties to front a single presidential candidate.