REUBEN NYANGWESO FOR KAKAMEGA COUNTY ASSEMBLY

Greetings, my people. Milembe.May I at this juncture and space state my political position. Those of you old enough will remember that I have gallantly before offered myself for election to parliament in Lurambi. In 1997 I lost honourably to the late Dr Kulundu. We put up a very spirited fight but succumbed to the Ford Kenya wave, not easily. You the people showed so much confidence in me by giving to me 15,800 votes. It wasn't a nice experience, humanly, but I took it in stride and supported him as my MP without waver.The subsequent years saw me take a break from active politics as I registered for a programme at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. I therefore failed to run in the year 2002. In 2007, the Lurambi nominations for the ODM party were a facade. There wasn't a winner. Despite that I stayed in the party and was retained as the Party Presidential Agent for Lurambi. I have remained steadfast in my party where I serve as the branch Vice-Chairman.I have a vision for this region. I think of a Kakamega that is not just famed for population and boda bodas , a Kakamega that people don't just while away time on roadsides as they whine and churn rumours. One where cane is grown but the fruits are partaken elsewhere. A county where it's city goes to bed at seven for it's people's fear of getting stuck in mud should the rains find them away from home.Courtesy of bad roads. I have a vision for a Tatu Kakamega. With an economically empowered and vibrant populace. I have confidence in you my people, that this is possible. Because of that faith in the County, I have personally embarked on a business mission to infuse new ideas in our 'city'. Ruby Meats in Kakamega at Nakumatt and on Mumias Road is a completely new experience in retailing. Iam also bringing to town my chain of Ruby's Pharmacy. This is a chain whose idea is heavily borrowed from a Canadian Pharmacy chain that I worked for. The modern Pharmacy concept is coming to you at the County. Having said that, and in cognisance of the fact that Iam a leader in this community in my own right, I wish to humbly give my political opinion. Inview of the new dispensation, it is crucial that we get our County leadership right, from it's inception. I speak knowing that there exist various fora where deliberations are on-going for purposes of head hunting and or scouting for leadership. However, I reiterate that these are political elective posts and shall not be allocated in boardrooms. As Iam entitled to a personal opinion that is not binding to anyone, may I only invite my supporters to interrogate my position. For County Governor, I at this point in time declare my support for Hon Wycliffee Oparanya. His merits for this are a discussion for another post. For the Senate, because of it's role, I give my blessings to Hon Bonnie Khalwale. He has demonstrated legislative competence. And my people of Lurambi, as a Constituency, I leave you to choose an MP . We have had a disastrous 5 years, and I do not wish that we go that way again. My guidance on this could be seen selfish. Iam not presenting myself for election in this position. I know my supporters may be sad for the rather unexpected decision. But I elect this route for a reason. A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. In this County, God giving me life, I intend to go for the long journey. The County ultimate. My self counsel tells me that to achieve this, I must start from bottom to let my people savor my acumen as a leader. Only then will I request the higher office. For the coming elections, I therefore present myself for election to the County Assembly. This choice is informed by the fact that Lurambi may have 5 wards for the Assembly. I do not for now make a choice of Ward, awaiting the work of the boundaries commission. I can only say I ask to be amongst the five. I invite my supporters to visit my blog often for this update.

God bless you