By Betty Luke
Isiolo North MP aspirant Mwenda Thuranira Saturday brought business to a standstill in the busy Isiolo town as he unveiled his manifesto with empowerment, education and security among the issues he will prioritize on if he clinches the seat.
The PNU candidate’s entourage made stopovers at Isiolo airport junction and Mukuu area, before snaking through the town where the leader held a mega rally attended by thousands of residents.
Residents, including Mama Mbogas who had closed their kiosks, flooded the Isiolo-Moyale highway as they gave Mr Thuranira a heroic reception.
He was accompanied by Ameru leaders among them former Isiolo North MP Muthaura Kiome and Wabera MCA aspirants George Karithi and Isack Njeru who pledged their support for his candidature.
Mr Thuranira announced a raft of issues he would concentrate on if elected the Isiolo North MP in the August elections.
Having offered full secondary scholarships to nearly 200 needy students through his Mwenda Thuranira Foundation, the aspirant said his leadership will support at least 500 learners a year in efforts to beat illiteracy and ensure 100 percent transition to secondary.
“I will, if you elect me, ensure fair and transparent issuance of bursaries and offer full secondary school support to 500 learners every year,” he said.
The MP aspirant said he will offer 1000 jobs for the youths annually to ensure they do not indulge in drug and substance abuse and are able to fend for themselves and their families.
“I will also focus on raising the enrolment at technical colleges so that our youth get hand-on skills for employability and to even start their own ventures and create jobs for others,” Mr Thuranira noted.
While accusing the incumbent of having lost touch with the electorates, the aspirant promised to be holding monthly meetings with the public to among others get their concerns and address them promptly.
“The issue of electing an MP and he goes missing for several years will end if I take over the baton. I will hold at least one baraza every month if I ascend to power,” Mr Thuranira assured.
Mr Thuranira promised to construct offices for all chiefs in Isiolo North for enhanced response to insecurity issues saying it was sad that majority of them had no offices making it hard for the public to report security concerns.
“I will also spearhead peace initiatives and ensure all the communities in Isiolo co-exist as peace is crucial ingredient to development,” he said.
The leader has so far issued over 100 wheelchairs and mobility carts to persons living with disability to enhance their movement and assist them become productive.
The political tolerance between Mr Thuranira and former Governor Godana Doyo’s camps that had rallies in Isiolo town was hailed by residents who also vouched for peaceful campaigns.
“The maturity was on a higher level. Many would have expected the supporters to clash. Such sobriety in politics is all we want,” Mr Ibrahim Jillo said.
Mr Doyo was Saturday cleared by IEBC to seek a comeback on Independent ticket in the race that has attracted five aspirants including ex-EACC boss Halakhe Waqo (ODM), City Majority Leader Ibrahim Abdi Hassan (Jubilee), Kenneth Maore (PNU) and Hussein Tene (UDA).
