Balala backs call for Majimbo

Story by NATION Team
Publication Date: 3/24/2007

The Coast region will not vote for any leader who does not back the majimbo system of Government, an ODM Kenya presidential aspirant has said.

The region’s abundant resources would only benefit the locals if the system of Government was changed from the current central one to that of regions, said Mr Najib Balala.

Speaking at the Aga Khan Sports Club in Mombasa when he launched his campaign website, Mr Balala said the region should not be taken for granted, because it would play a decisive role in elections. Mr Balala, who launched his vision in Nairobi this week, said his bid for the presidency was serious.

“I am committed to becoming the president of Kenya and the other contenders should brace themselves for a tough battle on the road to State House,” he said.

While commending President Kibaki for what he has done since he took over leadership, the Mvita MP said he could do even better.

Beautifying Mombasa
Mr Balala took issue with the rush in beautifying Mombasa before today’s world cross country championships, saying it was a public relations gimmick that was not sustainable.

“I had initiated a proper beautification plan for Mombasa when I was the mayor of Mombasa and the process was going to be systematic as opposed to what we are seeing now,” he said.

Elsewhere, former Vice-President Musalia Mudavadi received support for his bid for the ODM presidential nomination.

Speaking in Eldoret, officials of the Rift Valley Alliance party, led by secretary general Simon Lilan, yesterday said Mr Mudavadi was likely to be accepted across the country.

“He is not controversial and always listens and seeks consent in matters affecting the public,” said Mr Lilan.

The officials proposed Mr Raila Odinga as prime minister and Mr William Ruto as vice-president. He said the other ODM presidential candidates — Kalonzo Musyoka, Uhuru Kenyatta, Julia Ojiambo, Nazlin Omar and Najib Balala — could be accommodated in other positions.

Youthful leaders
Meanwhile, Mr Ruto said it was time for Kenyans to let youthful leaders to address problems facing the country.

The Eldoret North MP said senior positions in Government had been dominated by elderly men who had ignored the plight of the majority. He asked Kenyans to give room to youthful leaders to help shape the country’s future.

Mr Ruto said he had set an example by ensuring proper management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in his area.

“Those in doubt about my leadership qualities should look how we have managed the CDF kitty in my constituency because we were voted the best in the country in a survey carried out last year,” he said.

The MP spoke during his final campaign rally at Muliro Gardens in Kakamega, where he asked Trade Minister Mukhisa Kituyi to abandon Narc Kenya after he was replaced as its interim chairman and join ODM Kenya.