Pattni party vows to tackle poverty

from the Standard

By James Ratemo

Billionaire preacher, Mr Kamlesh Pattni, launched his Kenda party manifesto in a ceremony that sought to pull it out of the under-dog political pack.

Pattni, in a ceremony attended by thousands at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, said among parties that did not field presidential candidates, only Kenda had hosted such a function. The party will let its members support a presidential candidate of their choice as it fields civic and parliamentary candidates. Pattni extended an olive branch to all would-be defectors from other parties to join his party.

"There are many houses in the house of Kenda for all defectors," said Pattni.

He said he was only interested in helping poor Kenyans and not occupying State House.

"Roho yako ikimpenda Kibaki, Raila ama Kalonzo, wewe mpigie debe hata ukiwa ndani ya Kenda (If you like Kibaki, Raila or Kalonzo, just be free to campaign for them even if you remain in Kenda)," said Pattni

The party parliamentary aspirants also remained divided over choice of a presidential candidate with some declaring support for Kibaki, some Kalonzo and others Raila. Key on Kenda’s agenda is to fight poverty and create employment for the masses.

Taking a conciliatory tone, speakers called for peaceful campaigns.

Pattni promised freebies to the unemployed until they find jobs.

"We will have a programme to feed, house and offer free medical care to the jobless until they get jobs… all Kenyans are equal," said Pattni

Speaking at the launch, former Marakwet East MP, Mrs Jebii Kilimo, urged Kenyans to support President Kibaki for assured development.

"Let us support Kibaki for he is a one-term President so that in 2012 we can take over State House as Kenda," said Kilimo.

Aspirants from Coast and North Eastern provinces also called for economic devolution as elders from Miji Kenda installed Pattni into their community. Former Juja MP, Mr Stephen Ndichu, also called on Kenyans to support Kibaki since he had established a good record.