Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has officially launched his 2022 presidential bid, pledging better leadership and improved lives and giving Ukambani region and Kenya at large a new political dimension.
Speaking in Mlolongo on Sunday, the governor said he will reboot the country’s leadership while capitalising on the public clamour for young leaders.
“I declare that in the 2022 General Election, I will vie to be the next President of the Republic of Kenya so as to return Kenya to the railway tracks we were meant to be on after independence. I am ready to press the reboot button,” he said.
“I am ready to give Kenya a new, fair, organised, caring and rich country of happy people,” he added, saying his slogan will be ‘The Fresh Movement”.
“I am ready to guide Kenya in making a fresh start. I am ready to be your servant President and I humbly request you for your support.”
Dr Mutua, leader of the Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement, said Kenya needs a young, dynamic, innovative but mature leader who understands the system but is not its captive.
“Kenyans do not want politics. Kenyans want a doer. We are tired of government plans that never get implemented," he said.
He promised that if elected, he will create five million jobs in the first three years, build roads and highways in every constituency and maintain new ones to create an environment for growth.
Regarding the education system, Dr Mutua said he will produce young and dynamic citizens who will “find jobs waiting for them”.
“We will roll back poverty and restore dignity to all regardless of where you were born or your social or political dispensation,” he said.
The youthful governor further said he will eliminate bureaucracy, cut wastage and enable the business community to thrive in a predictable environment that rewards success, not corruption.
“Under my leadership, you will only require 14 days to get all your licenses and approvals to start your business,” he said.
He also vowed that under his watch, politicians will never again steal public land and sell it back to the government and said he hopes to sell a fresh and untainted image devoid of scandals.
Born in the squalor of Nairobi's biggest slum - Kibera - and growing up in Riruta, Dr Mutua says he has an “impeccable and unassailable record in public management”.
He notes the Kibaki administration appointed him the first government spokesperson, an office he set up, defined and used to run a successful campaign dubbed Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya (taking pride in patriotism).
Dr Mutua’s entry into the race is likely to complicate matters for Mr Musyoka, who has for years shaped the region’s politics as its political supremo.
In an apparent reference to Mr Musyoka, a former vice-president, he quoted a Bible verse – 2nd Corinthians 5:7 - which says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.”
The governor’s declaration at a colourful ceremony held at the Alfred Mutua 2022 Campaign Logistics Centre in Mlolongo set the stage for a fierce political duel with the Wiper leader for control of the region before vote hunting in other parts of the country.
Acknowledging that the country’s politics is dynamic, the former government spokesman disclosed that he is ready to work with other like-minded coalitions to deliver his promise to Kenyans.
“The Kenyan politics is now about coalitions. I am ready to welcome the teams to work with me so that I can ascend to the seat and shape the destiny of this country,” he said.
Wiper Secretary-General Judith Sijeny recently told off Ukambani leaders seeking to vie for presidency that it is not a walk in the park.
“Fair enough. It is one thing to run for President, but quite a different one to make any significant impact. Hon Kalonzo, the entire Wiper community as well as millions of his followers will greatly relish the opportunity to compete in the political arena that will separate boys from men, once and for all,” Ms Sijeny said in a statement dated August 28.
Apart from Dr Mutua and Mr Musyoka, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has also hinted at vying for the top seat, with the region now having three aspirants for the 2022 top race.
As Dr Mutua launched his bid, Deputy President William Ruto ws hosted in Athi River by former Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama among other leaders, just a few kilometres from the venue.
The DP attended a fundraiser at Athi River ACK Church and addressed roadside rallies in the area, asking the region to back his bid in 2022.
