Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana on Thursday, August 20, spoke on his campaign platform as he gears up to vie for the Presidency in the 2022 General Election.
Kibwana disclosed that his campaign would be undertaken in a different style compared to what Kenyans had become accustomed to; asserting that he would not seek the backing of tribal blocs but would instead present himself as 'Wanjiku's candidate'.
In an TV interview, he further declared that he would not seek the backing of the state or the so-called system as he looks to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kibwana broke down his campaign platform, revealing key changes he plans on implementing to deliver what he termed 'a new Kenya'.
His plans are geared towards resolving long-standing issues that have affected the country; including police brutality and extra-judicial killings, corruption, unemployment and devolution.
Kibwana also asserted that he would prioritise the full implementation of the Kenya 2010 Constitution, advancing the argument that many challenges including corruption could be dealt with if the Constitution was adhered to. He noted that he wanted a Kenya where laws were respected by all.
He further stated that he planned on addressing issues affecting the youth such as lack of jobs and opportunities, promising to make them hope again.
In addition, Kibwana decried the reputation the National Police Service had developed for assaulting and harassing citizens, pledging to institute reforms to ensure officers lived up to the service motto of 'Utumishi kwa wote' (Service to all).
On corruption, he warned that graft and abuse of office would not be tolerated under his administration, promising that perpetrators would face the full force of the law regardless of their status or position.
Kibwana further noted that he would work to strengthen devolution by ensuring the national government offered adequate and timely support to the 47 county governments.
"[I want] the Kenya where devolution works, and it's enhanced. Indeed the Governors can do a lot of work as long as you support them, and you make sure the money goes to them in time.
"Of course we said no corruption, that's not allowed. We are going to draw a line in the sand and say you can't cross this line," he stated.
Kibwana earned support from a section of Kenyans thanks to his track record as Governor of Makueni which has seen him consistently ranked among the country's best performing Governors. He has initiated laudable projects in area including fruit and milk processing as well as in health care and civic education.
Some pundits have, however, openly doubted his chances of clinching the top seat given the history of politics in Kenya revolving around ethnic mobilisation.
Urging members of the public to support him, Kibwana described Kenya as a country with a lot of potential that had been let down by the failures of its leadership.
Watch Kibwana discuss his plans for the country below:
