http://www.peterkenneth.com/
By Allan Kisia
NAIROBI, KENYA; Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth may be an Assistant minister in government but on Sunday he put up a strong show attended by ministers as he launched his bid to rule Kenya. Savouring the pride and glamour of being referred to as ‘Kenya's next President", Kenneth declared two of Kenya's evils he wants to be given a chance to chop off on the feet; tribalism and corruption.
The moment was captivating and electrifying for his supporters as Kenneth brought along his wife and children, in the fashion of US President Barack Obama. But he went a step further, and not only had his son Andrew pitch for him, but father and son also danced on stage, displaying what youthful energy can do that the older genre of politicians lack.
Again unlike Obama, he gave his speech without the help of Obama's teleprompter, which is invisible to the audience, but which the speaker can read straight from. Call of duty Like the former football player and administrator he is, Kenneth easily dribbled through the weighty issues,that needs to be addressed to make Kenya more accommodative, comfortable and homely to all; the richand the poor and the young and old. They range from economic hurdles, poorinfrastructure, ethnicised politics and poor management of public affairs.
Kenneth officially threw his hat in the presidential ring when he launched his bid with a promise to bring ‘positive change' at a ceremony beamed live on television from Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi. Those present included Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya and his Local Government counterpart Dr Paul Otuoma.
To spice up the day he used the same master of ceremonies that his rival in the battle for Central Kenya vote, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, hired in 2007 to conduct a Kanu conference attended by President Kibaki, whom the former ruling party later backed as a Party of National Unity candidate. The robust artist is popularly known as "Big Ted". Saying he was "answering a national call of duty" Kenneth declared that while on a tour of 43 counties - the regions he has visited so far in his campaigns - he realised the problems facing Kenyans were similar.
The Kenya National Congress (KNC) presidential aspirant explained that Kenyans share a wide range of problems, but key among them are unemployment, insecurity, poor infrastructure, poor access to quality health services, education, water andnegative ethnicity.
"Today, we begin a journey that will liberate the country. A journey that will break from the past. A journey that will propel this country to prosperity in the next five years. We must do this for our future generation," he stated.
Early life
Like other presidential aspirants, Kenneth also promised to ensure the Constitution is fully implemented. He further promised to accelerate reforms in the Judiciary, among other key Government institutions, and ensure law-breakers were punished.
"I was brought up with a single parent in a one-roomed house. My mother taught me discipline and she was tough on me. I want to assure Kenyans that I will instill severe discipline in the management of our country," he pledged.
Kenneth lamented Kenya "has lived in history for the last 49 years," a problem he vowed to change come next year, adding that tribalism was the country's biggest problem.We never learnt it in primary school, not even in high school even and not even at the university. It was brought to us by a leadership that wanted to maintain the status quo," he added amid cheers from supporters.
Kenneth was, however, optimistic the country can take another direction, which will be better for all. He promised to use four sectors to change the lives of Kenyans. He named them as agriculture, tourism, Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and manufacturing. He said agriculture, apart from creating employment, would boost food security. He lamented Kenya gets1.6 million tourists a year; a figure he said is way below the potential.
"I have been to over 100 countries and I want to confess that there is no country as beautiful as Kenya. Whycan't we bring more tourists here?" he asked.
He promised to lure more investors into the country and prevent manufacturers from relocating because of insecurity and poorinfrastructure among other reasons. He further promised to revamp ICT, arguing it would create avenues for young innovators.
During the launch, speakers hailed Kenneth as the best candidate owing to his past development records, including the management of the Gatanga Constituency Development Fund (CDF). The management of Gatanga CDF was voted the best for two consecutiveyears.
Other guests included MPs David Ngugi (Kinangop), Muturi Mwangi (Kiharu), Emilio Kathuri (Manyatta)Others were the business community, youth and women leaders, the clergy and supporters from the Diaspora. Oparanya termed Kenneth as a politician who is disciplined, committed to his work and non-tribal.
"It is for this reason the use of CDF funds in Gatanga has been rated the best for two consecutive years. If he realises his ambition, he knows where he will take this country," he stated.
Main issues
The Planning minister who is an ODM MP said he would continue to collaborate with Kenneth even if they were from different parties.
"You know I have occasionally talked to you about working together. The time will come and if you arrive at the hill, remember us," added Oparanya.
Kenneth lamented of the high unemployment rate, which he said was a time bomb for the country. "We have an unemployment rate of 40 per cent yet 52 per cent of the population is below 18 years. We will blame ourselves if we do nothing about it," he added.
He promised to improve the infrastructure in all corners of the country. Kenneth further said he would ensure each country has a dam whose water would be used for irrigation. He added he would also ensure all Counties have modern health facilities and sufficient staff."We will also move from free primary education to quality education. Seventy per cent don't make it touniversities and as a result, I am going to ensure there is a national polytechnic in each County to impart our youths with appropriate skills," he promised.
KNC chairman Herbert Wachira said Kenneth would bring the change the country had been yearning for.
"This is an opportunity for Kenneth to do to Kenya what he has done for Gatanga," he said.
Mr Henry Ongeri, who represented Kenyans living in US, Canada, UK and Australia, said they would support Kenneth.
"We believe in him. He defies stereotypes and convention. He takes paths that make him unpopular but for the good of the people," added Ongeri.
Kenneth's son, Andrew, said their father raised them with church values and served as an example to them. He assured Kenyans they would not regret electing his father as then country's next President.
