Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong has insisted that he will vie for President in 2022.
However, DP Wiliam Ruto through his aide Farouk Kibet has asked him to rescind the decision.
Speaking during a funds drive in aid of the completion of St Stephen’s Kodedema Catholic Church in Teso South Sub County, the Governor said it pains him to see national leaders engage in character assassination at the expense of development.
“We need to lead by example and cultivate a culture of respect and forgiveness. We want to leave a united country with people talking substance devoid of witch hunt,” he said.
Leaders from Rift Valley and Western including DP William Ruto PA Farouk Kibet, former Agriculture minister Kipruto Arap Kirwa and former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale urged Ojaamong to rescind his presidential ambitions and instead support DP Ruto.
Ojaamong said his move to join the presidential race came from the fact that there has been no presidential candidate from Busia since independence.
“County residents also have the appetite of seeing their own climb the ladder, thus the push for me to ascend to the top seat in the land,” he said.
Farouk said Kalenjin and Teso communities share many things in common, adding that Ojaamong’s star will shine after his tenure as Governor if he backs Ruto’s presidency.
“To my friend Ojaamong, I wish you well in your presidential ambitions but remember you can’t walk alone, let’s sit with Ruto and I will say Hallelujah if you are picked as his running mate” said former Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwalwe.
Khalwale and Teso South MP Geoffrey Omuse told President Uhuru Kenyatta to honor the constitution and retire honorably instead of seeking for change of constitution so that he becomes and executive prime minister.
The harambee raised Sh1.1m with Farouk giving his personal donation of Sh500, 000.
He also pledged Sh200, 000 for Amukura Parish Catholic Choir for purchase of musical equipment.