Kenya’s image to top VP agenda

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has said his presidency would be more appealing to the international community than any of other candidate who may be elected to the office next year.

The VP, running for the top office on a Wiper Democratic Movement, added that if he became the next Head of State “the whole world would pay attention to us”.

“The whole world will stand in solidarity with us if I am the President of this country. The VP is well known around the world,” Mr Musyoka said, adding that such would elevate the country’s image across the globe.

He spoke when he launched an SMS number (8101) that would allow party supporters get access to information about the whereabouts of their presidential candidate. They would also know about party activities.

Mr Musyoka said members would track the party’s activities without having to travel to the offices or making phone calls.

The SMS number is an initiative by ‘Students for Kalonzo’, a group of university students supporting the VP. The students have also secured a Paybill number 549801 to raise campaign money for Mr Musyoka.

The VP said that having worked as a mediator in the Sudan and Somalia peace missions, he was on top to propel Kenya agenda internationally.

“I addressed the UN Security Council and told them Sudan’s peace talks were irreversible,” the VP said in reference to the contribution he made towards achievement the Sudan Comprehensive Peace agreement in 2005.

His assertion comes barely a week after former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan while on an official visit to the country said the presidencies of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto could put Kenya in a tricky position with other countries. (READ: Annan warns over ICC suspects’ bids)

The two begin their trials at the International Criminal Court next year where they will answer to charges ranging from crimes against humanity, rape and other violence-related cases.

Mr Musyoka also flashed back to his decision to join hands with President Kibaki’s Party of National Union in early 2008 during post-election violence following disputed presidential results.

Mr Musyoka said he did not rush into making the decision. “It was not an overnight decision. It was a process guided by many people including my friend Johnston Muthama (Kangundo MP) and many others.

"The party (ODM-Kenya) allowed me to support the President to save the country. If we did not do that, we would have experienced prolonged deadly violence. It was a selfless decision,” the VP said at the party offices in Kileleshwa.

He also received 19 councillors from Tana River County who defected from other political parties.