Gubernatorial hopeful Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia on Saturday unveiled officially launched his campaigns in a homecoming ceremony held at Kathwana Stadium, in an event that saw him publicly declare his interest for the top job as Tharaka Nithi County boss under the NARC Kenya party affiliated to Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja Movement.
Dr Kibunjia attributed his decision to run for Governor to the conviction that the county was headed to the wrong direction, noting that resources were being plundered by the current regime in cohort to other people who were not residents of the county.
With rotational governance politics in play and the spirit of inclusiveness and coexistence, Dr Kibunjia named Mrs Cirindi Kithinji, a former CECM from Maara as his running mate in the August polls, hopeful that the 68,729 Maara voters will rally behind him and boost his bid.
The former Director of National Museums of Kenya accused the current County Government of fraud and theft of public resources with investments set to milk the county dry, citing lack of equity in the manner resources are distributed across the county.
According to Dr Kibunjia, projects such as Kairuni Playground and Chiakariga Water Project have been flagged by the Auditor General, with contract sums of up to 12.9 Million and 3.8 Million respectively being fully paid to contractors yet the projects had stalled.
Through his Manifesto, Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia seeks to establish a well-functioning County Headquarters at Kathwana, completing stalled infrastructure developments, with the construction of 20 kilometres road network, a level 5 hospital and modern sports stadium at Kathwana among his priorities.
Under Agriculture, Dr Kibunjia plans to employ and equip Agriculture Extension Officers in all wards, revive Coffee and Tea factories, refurbish Cereal Storage Stores and establish a Potato Seed Store in Maara.
In addition, Dr Kibunjia seeks to promote Chogoria Route as the most accessible and easiest to climb Mt Kenya, ensure the return of Ura Gate Cultural Festival and oversee the promotion of Ura Gate as an access route to Meru National Park.
Under Job Creation and Sustainable Economic Growth, Dr Mzalendo plans to build a Meat Factory, targeting the Qatar, UAE and Kuwait markets, a Milk Processing Plant, a Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant and source for investors to construct a Cement Factory and Smelt Iron Ore.
“We have become slaves of other counties as we outsource resources that we can easily get from our county instead of investing outside. It is my intention and conviction that I am the one who will save this county, with programs and investment activities that are focused, people driven and economically viable” – Dr Mzalendo Kibunjia
Dr Kibunjia acknowledged there had been several sackings targeting specific parts of the county and promised to reinstate anyone sacked illegally in his government.
Allocation of 3 CECM seats per constituency for appointment also came up in his plans.
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