Musyimi pledges to own, respect and implement aspirations of Kenyans

• Some observers argue that the vocal churchman has mellowed since joining Parliament, but Mutava Musyimi believes he will deliver the Kenyan dream. Here are his answers to readers’ questions

Ruth, for the first time there will be a leader who will combine integrity and competence in the service of the Kenyan people. There will be a President who, rest assured, will be ‘Our President’.

Bishop Wasilikwa, because of limited space I will only give a summary of my campaign platform. My agenda for Kenya in the next five years will mainly focus on three key pillars: Economy, Governance and Social Sector Development.

Under these pillars, I will boost the standards of education, improve access to health care and focus on youth skills development.

In case you become the fourth President, how would you deal with the Mombasa Republican Council’s grievances?

— Daniel Mwendwa, Shanzu in Mombasa County.

It is my position that Kenya is a unitary State and it should remain so. However, I believe the cry of the MRC is the cry of Kenyans who feel marginalised.

They have long-standing and fundamental grievances that successive governments have failed to address. This will partly be dealt with through devolution. Honest and difficult conversations need to happen in the meantime.

Are you still involved in the activities of NCCK?

— Vincent Nyamache.
No I am not.

Last year when Kibaki violated the Constitution by appointing the Chief Justice, you unreservedly gave him your support as demonstrated by your conduct at the Justice Committee of Parliament. Why should I vote for a President who has no respect for the law?

— Norberts Mak’Oketch

Norberts, you have your facts wrong. With regard to the Attorney-General and Deputy Public Prosecutor, I was prepared to go along with a settlement arrived at by the two principals.

However, as far as the Chief Justice post was concerned, I was absolutely categorical that the matter be processed by the Judicial Service Commission.

How do you intend to navigate the murky waters of politics and still retain your religious convictions?

— Nyaoke George, Makindu
With the religious background that you have, do you plan to bank all your hopes on Christian backing, or are you a nationalist? What’s the density of DP at the grassroots level?

— Ngeno Kipyegon
How are you going to ensure your presidential campaigns are not entangled in dirty machinations that are common in Kenyan politics given your strong Christian background?

— Lilian N. Olala, Nairobi.

George, Ngeno and Lillian, your questions are quite similar I will try to answer them together.