Jirongo joins State House race

PHOTO/STEPHEN MUDIARI
Presidential aspirant Cyrus Jirongo speaks during the launching of his presidential bid at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, September 9th, 2012. Mr Jirongo announced that he will vie for the presidency on a Federal Party of Kenya ticket in the next general elections.

What you need to know:

  • Lugari MP launches Federal Party of Kenya and pledges fairness if elected president at polls

Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo has joined the crowded race for State House with a pledge to restore the country, which according to him, is headed in the wrong direction.

Mr Jirongo on Sunday unveiled the Federal Party of Kenya as his preferred vehicle as he launched his presidential bid at a forum attended by MPs from the Orange Democratic Movement and other parties.

He said his party, whose slogan is Inawezekana tukipanga (It can be done if we plan) and symbol is a clenched fist, would ensure equitable distribution of resources to all Kenyans.

The party’s colours are red, yellow and blue.

“The country has enough resources which can be shared equitably by all Kenyans,” said Mr Jirongo, who ditched Eldoret North MP William Ruto’s United Republican Party to gun for the top seat.

But this, he said, will not be achieved in isolation and asked all Kenyans to unite to move the country forward.

“We can all work together as Kenyans to ensure that all the uncertainties facing us, including exploding bombs, helplessness amongst the youths and others are brought back on track,” he said.

He said if elected president, he would fully implement the Constitution, create jobs for the youth, fight tribalism and foster national unity.

ODM MPs Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i), Manson Nyamweya (South Mugirango), Sospeter Ojamong (Amagoro) and Millie Odhiambo claimed to have attended the event in ‘solidarity’ with the Mr Jirongo.

Mr Namwamba, who spoke on behalf of the group, spoke highly of Mr Jirongo, describing him as a “brother and friend”.

“Love him, hate him or despise him but one thing is for sure, you cannot ignore him,” said the Budalang’i MP leaving tongues wagging as to whether a new alliance was in the offing.

“Even though we support Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the presidency, we on the other hand reaffirm that we shall work with other like-minded leaders who have the interest of the country at heart. We wish Mr Jirongo well and we shall walk with him,” he added.

Earlier on, Dr Ekuru Aukot, who represented the G47 lobby group challenged Mr Jirongo to state whether he was fully committed to not only implementing the Law, but also ensuring that the youth are not ignored. “Failure to do this will shatter the dreams of many Kenyans,” he said.

MPs Mithika Linturi (Igembe South), Chris Okemo (Nambale), Francis Baya (Ganze) also attended the event at KICC in Nairobi.