Kalonzo says ready for bruising presidential battle

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has declared he is prepared to do battle with other candidates in the race to succeed President Kibaki.

Speaking after receiving blessings from the Kamba Council of Elders at Kitui Stadium, Mr Musyoka said he was emboldened and was going for nothing short of the presidency.

"After this blessing, I am fully prepared for what is going to be a gruelling battle to secure the future of this country.

"The transition in this country can only be managed by a person with the interest of this country at heart. This is the time for the common man,” he said.

The VP called for sober campaigns and said he was fed up with politics of insults and mudslinging.

He said he had the experience to lead Kenya having been in politics for almost three decades.

Mr Musyoka restated that his presidency would not tolerate corruption, which he noted had brought suffering to Kenyans.

He predicted that the next elections will be transparent and peaceful and asked Kenyans to reject leaders who perpetrate hatred and division.

Mr Musyoka called on Kenyans to refuse leaders whose presidential ambition was driven by personal greed, saying his desire was to see Kenyans emancipated from corruption, tribalism and poverty.

Elders Titus Mbathi and Bishop Mutemi Mutia urged the VP to venture to the rest of the country to sell his candidature.

He thanked the elders and assured them that he will not let them and the country down.

He dismissed those who had questioned his development record saying that he had done a lot for his constituency.

The VP, who earlier opened the Wiper Democratic Movement Office at Kitui town, was accompanied by Assistant ministers Gideon Ndambuki and David Musila, Government Joint Whip Johnstone Muthama, MPs Peter Kiilu (Makueni), Mohammed Affey (Nominated), Isaac Muoki (Kitui South) and Philip Kaloki (Kibwezi).

Others were Charles Nyamai (Kitui West), Charles Kilonzo (Yatta), Victor Munyaka( Machakos Town), Shakilla Abdallah (Nominated) and Peter Mathuki (EALA). Former ministers Nyiva Mwenda ,Mutua Katuku, as well as former MP Jonesmus Kikuyu also attended.