Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana on Wednesday, July 1, appeared on JKL Live where he shed more light on his 2022 presidential bid.
During the interview with Citizen TV's Jeff Koinange, the county boss promised to run an issue-based campaign.
"Kenya has to transcend ethnic politics, since the majority of Kenyans, including the middle class, are facing similar challenges of development. In my view, we are witnessing the end of ethnic politics as many Kenyans are judging leaders by their track record," he stated.
A section of Kenyans online agreed with his sentiments with many noting how eloquent he was in his arguments.
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"With Governor Kivutha Kibwana in the ballot, I can authoritatively say that there is still hope. This guy is smart, intelligent, and focused. Given the chance, he is capable of transforming our country," Benson Anjejo stated.
"I really hope people will have embraced Kibwana for the presidency by 2022. He is tested and proven to be a leader. Unfortunately, we vote through emotions and then cry when things aren't going well," Cyrus Wakonyo stated.
"I support your idea as well as your stand for we need fresh presidential aspirant in Ukambani," Mark Mutinda added.
"Prof. Kivutha Kibwana is a sober leader. He doesn't chest thump and acts on tribal whims. He helped Kibaki change the economic fortunes of Kenya," another user, Tosh maintained.
On the other hand, the governor also received criticism for his lack of charisma in his presidential bid.
"Kivutha Kibwana is extremely boring. No energy. Zero Charisma. Depleted. Deflated. Punctured. Old and Tired. Nothing new. Old same story. Lives in the aura of the 1990s. A politically tired and spent cartridge being imposed on Kenyans by civil society," Abraham Mutai posted on Twitter.
During the interview, Koinange pressed for answers aven stating that the governor was answering as a professor. "You are beating around the bush. Give me straight answers."
Users online came to Kibwana's defence with a user, stating, "Jeff demands simple answers to complex questions."
Another Kenyan, Kenyan Poet added, "He (Kivutha) is an intellect he sees things differently."
Kivutha further advised the president not to reopen the country without proper control measures noting that saving lives was prudent.
“I do not think they are a priority (Night clubs and bars), that is something that can be postponed for a while until the situation is under better control; we can do without that kind of pleasure and leisure I don’t think it is prudent to open up the country in one go," he stated.
The Makueni governor made his 2022 presidential ambition official on June 26, affirming that his platform would be geared towards strengthening devolution.
