United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party leaders from West Pokot County have rooted for the six-piece voting pattern in the region as they drum up support for Deputy President William Ruto for Presidency in the coming August polls.
The voting pattern would multiply the strength that Kenya Kwanza Presidential candidate William Ruto would have if elected President.
In the voting pattern, voters in an electoral area cast their ballot only for candidates (from ward rep to President) from a particular party, in this case, UDA.
Speaking on Tuesday after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared former West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin to unseat the incumbent Governor John Lonyangapuo, the leaders insisted that West Pokot County is a UDA zone.
The former sports Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) called on residents to support DP Ruto and vote in all UDA candidates in the County.
“We want to ensure that DP Ruto becomes a strong President,” said Kachapin.
Kachapin faulted the recent Lonyangapuo’s remarks that leaders from West Pokot were being controlled by leaders from outside the County.
“We have agreed with William Ruto to set aside more funds for youths. This is the Bottom Up we are talking about. Boda boda riders in the County will not pay levies,” he said.
The first West Pokot Governor said that he laid the foundation of development projects.
“I laid a good foundation of devolution with only 2 billion shillings. I have heard the cry of my people who have asked me to come and complete the projects I started. I have heard their voices,” he said.
He castigated his competitor for failing to do anything tangible in the County.
“He slept on the job and am coming with new energy to complete the projects that have been neglected. He made sure of all devolution structures were destroyed and they have not realized the fruits of devolution for the last five years,” he said.
The former Governor noted that his successor had messed up the County.
“There are no drugs in Kapenguria County hospital and other health centers. I have constructed roads in remote areas; Alale and Kirich. I procured many drugs and machines like graders meaning if the money can get a good manager and kept in good hands everything will be okay,” he said.
He said the main objective of the new constitution was devolution and Governors need to strive hard to make sure there is success.
“Our County was marginalized and left behind in development. Lonyangapuo has an office in Nairobi where he used taxpayers money to pay half a million every month,” he said.
Kachapin called on politicians in the County to engage in peaceful campaigns.
He urged the media not to be biased in the coverage of news.
‘We need a balanced playing ground. Local FM Radio stations in this County have become biased and not covering some politicians,” he said.
He called on Prof Lonyangapuo not to boast around and be ready for a serious battle.
“I have a vision of taking this County to another level,” said Kachapin.
He noted that Governor Lonyangapuo used a lot of propaganda to win the seat.
“Lonyangapuo is greedy for power and he has spoiled the structures and systems of the government. He was in the Senate and wanted to be an MP. Kachapin is a transformational leader. Few words with development,” he said.
He said that Governor Lonyangapuo interfered with the County Assembly and engaged in corruption.
“I used to be Governor Number two in the whole Country contrary to Lonyangapuo who has many lies and insults,” he said
He promised to set aside one billion shillings for bursaries.
“Am the one who started giving out bursaries. I ensure that we give out bursaries to every child. We have given out 50 million shillings for ward funds. I used to give out 28 million but Lonyangapuo reduced it to 20 million,” he said.
West Pokot Woman Representative, Lillian Tomitom asked Governor Lonyangapuo to set right priorities in doing projects.
“The work of buying people chicks is the work of a Woman Representative not a Governor. Stop it,” she said.
Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol told off Azimio leader Raila Odinga saying no one from the region will vote for him.
“They are cheating Baba,” he said.
Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong asked Governor Lonyangapuo to stop cheating leaders allied to him.
