Gideon’s day under the sun as Kanu pick him for top seat
Leaders allied to the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) and ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday came together as Kanu’s chairman Senator Gideon Moi, was endorsed as the party’s presidential candidate.
During the independence party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC), delegates unanimously endorsed the Baringo Senator as its candidate for next year’s General Election scheduled for August 9, 2022.
Other presidential hopefuls led by ODM’s Raila, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress and a section of Jubilee lawmakers allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta hinted at forging a united coalition to face United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate William Ruto.
Although the leaders did not come out openly to confirm their unity, Kalonzo said he was confident that the OKA party members will team up to present a single candidate.
“I wish to assure you my brother Gideon that we will walk together in the journey ahead. I foresee a possible merger of all the parties present here today,” Kalonzo said.
Common ground
Kalonzo said OKA is an embodiment of the Handshake between Uhuru and Raila and that its aspirations were similar to those of the other political parties in the country.
Mudavadi said consultations between the OKA affiliates were on going and assured the members that a common ground will soon be reached.
“We are ready as OKA to work together as leaders, we will keep the interest of the country first,” said the ANC leader.
Raila dealt mainly in defending himself and Gideon over the dynasty tag labelled on them by Ruto. He said no leader should be referred to as dynasty since they had all made their way to where they are.
“Those referring to us as dynasties should refresh their minds and know that even our fathers, the late Jaramogi and Mzee Daniel Moi, made their way to the top, all by themselves,” Raila said.
In his acceptance speech, Gideon obliged to heed the call to serve.
“The voice of the people is the voice of God, and I’m obliged to heed your call to serve as it is the only patriotic thing to do,” Gideon said.
He further said Kanu towers above the other political parties given its history of providing the country with 38 years of peace and stability.
“As we look at the pivotal moments in Kenya’s history, Kanu ensured two peaceful transitions of presidencies,” he said.
Gideon said it was possible to make the country great for each and every Kenyan, devoid of corruption, tribalism, nepotism among other vices.
“I take great pleasure in the lessons I have drawn from these experiences and if there is one thing I’m certain about, it is possible to make this country great for you and me,” he said.
He assured the delegates that he will emerge victorious in the coming election: I want to assure you that I will come back to you with nothing short of victory.”
The Baringo senator said the party was approaching a crucial phase adding that Kanu has withstood the test of times.
“We have seen parties come and go. Kanu towers above the rest. Kanu was the party that lowered the Union Jack and raised the Kenyan flag,” he said.
“Raila, Kalonzo and Mudavadi, you all have been members of our party. All previous presidents held positions in our party and the position they held were position of chairman.” he added.
Dedicated leader
He said the 2022 elections will be a defining moment for the country, to draw the a line, either to let the country slide into the hands of destructive people or secure it.
The colourful event held at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi was attended by more than 3,000 delegates representing all regions. Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat who led the delegates in endorsing Gideon said the decision was unanimous.
Other leaders who spoke including Aden Keynan (Jubilee), Kanini Kega (Jubilee), Chris Wamalwa (Ford Kenya) and Cyrus Jirongo described Gideon as a sober leader, best placed to inject fresh blood into governance.
“Gideon is a humble and dedicated leader, who can be entrusted take the reins from Uhuru,” Wamalwa said.
