Businessman Edward Ajwang’ has hit the ground with a heavy manifesto in his quest for Market Milimani Ward seat.
Ajwang’ last week launched his bid, outlining an eight-point agenda for the ward.
The heavily-loaded manifesto has transformed campaigns in the ward which is claimed to be the most contested among the 35 wards in the county.
Speaking during the launch of his manifesto, Ajwang’ mentioned his key agenda as; education, health, security, enterprise development, innovation, infrastructure, unemployment and tackling the street children menace.
I know many of you mistrust politicians and almost detest politics, it is not your fault, you’ve been lied to so many times
Edward Ajwang
He says says his plans include ensuring all children from poor backgrounds attend school through the inclusive and equal allocation of bursary without any discrimination.
He pledged to improve infrastructure through collaboration, especially on the drainage systems, security where businesses thrive through empowering the community.
He has also promised to work closely with the county government to improve healthcare provision for easy access to residents.
Business graduate
The business administration graduate seeks to champion innovation to spur economic growth and give the youth a chance to exploit their skills and talents to improve their living standards.
In tackling unemployment, Ajwang’ says he will focus on initiating empowerment initiatives to harness the enormous human resources of the youth to make them economically and financially empowered.
To realise the eight-point agenda, Ajwang said he will initiate transformative leadership and prudent use of public resources.
Even those who will lose in the nominations or general election will be lauded as much as winning. We must be clear in our minds as to why we are seeking leadership
Edward Ajwang’
“My vision and conviction are to serve you because I am going to be your servant,” he said.
The politician said the people deserve a leader who listens and responds positively to their needs.
“I know many of you mistrust politicians and almost detest politics, it is not your fault, you’ve been lied to so many times,” Ajwang’ said.
He called on supporters to choose wisely during the ODM primaries to help secure the future of the ward.
Ajwang’ said elections are a clear manifestation of the ideals that all parties stand for and which should not be used to draw irrelevant wedges and pit competitors against each other.
“Even those who will lose in the nominations or general election will be lauded as much as winning. We must be clear in our minds as to why we are seeking leadership,” he said.
But even with the loaded manifesto, Ajwang will have to square it out with seven other contestants.
Other incumbents
They include; incumbent Seth Kanga, George Abwajo, Faustine Omondi, Helen Apiyo, Catherine Achieng, Isaac Oburu and Eunice Akinyi.
Omondi and Achieng are seeking the seat on the DAP-K party while the other candidates will battle it out for the ODM ticket on April 19.
The incumbent who is also the ODM Party Chair in Kisumu Central Sub County however expressed confidence that he will retain his seat.
He says his track record, especially on bursary allocation to bright needy students and development will boost his re-election bid.
He also banks on the fact that he has been championing the interests of traders who now have been relocated to alternative spaces.
“Every aspirant is welcomed to sell their policies to the people. Let people judge us based on development track record and policies,” Kanga said.