Carry your own crosses, Karua tells corrupt politicians
What you need to know:
- Ms Karua was drumming up support for her party’s Kuria East parliamentary nominee, Ms Esther Matiko.
- She cautioned Kenyans against voting in the six-piece style.
- She said Kenyans should not be coerced to support any political side.
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua has cautioned Kenyans against electing corrupt leaders, saying politicians who fail integrity test should carry their own crosses.
Addressing a political rally Thursday in Kegonga Town in Kuria East, Migori County, Ms Karua said Kenyans deserve leaders with high integrity keen to drive the development agenda forward.
Ms Karua had toured the region to drum up support for her party’s Kuria East parliamentary nominee, Ms Esther Matiko.
“Let everyone sort out their own issues. Even in Kirinyaga County where I am vying for governorship seat we will ensure there is no corruption,” she said.
BLACKLISTED
Among her competitors in Kirinyaga is former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru who is among 20 leaders blacklisted by a rights group, the National Integrity Alliance over integrity issues.
Ms Waiguru has been on the spot over loss of huge sums of money at the National Youth Service.
Ms Karua did not name any individual in her call to people to shun those with integrity issues, only saying that the August 8 elections will not be about parties but individuals.
SIX-PIECE VOTING
She cautioned Kenyans against voting in the six-piece style where leaders from one party are elected from the highest to the lowest level.
“The political sun is hot and we do not need suits. It is not about parties anymore but (about) individuals,” she said.
She said Kenyans should look out for leaders who are available and are keen in serving those whom they represent.
“Let us vote in leaders who are pro-people, who listen to issues, fulfil promises and good stewards of public finances,” she said.
She said she had chosen to back President Uhuru Kenyatta in this election and that she will ensure she drives home her message of a corrupt-free Kenya.
NO POLITICAL ANGELS
While acknowledging that there are no saints among the political class, Ms Karua said those looking for political angels are being insincere.
“We have bad and good people in both the ruling and opposition sides. Let us look out for good leadership in individuals and avoid being blinded by party euphoria,” she said.
She said Kenyans should not be coerced to support any political side and that they should be left to exercise their democratic right to vote in leaders of their choice.
“Let people choose freely which side to belong to,” she said.
