Former police boss David Kimaiyo to run for top political seat

Former Inspector General of Police, David Kimaiyo, has expressed interest in the Elgeyo Marakwet Senate seat in the 2017 General Election.

Speaking at Kapsowar Catholic Church in Elgeyo Marakwet County during a funds drive, the former IG said his interest had been propelled by the need to serve the electorates and also to protect civil servants who have been unfairly haunted out of office.

“My 35 years’ experience in the public service has given me an opportunity to work with three consecutive regimes where I handled sensitive issues, thus development matters at the county will not be hard for me. I stand for integrity and that is why I will use it to champion for development,” said Kimaiyo.

Without mentioning names, Kimaiyo dismissed his critics who claim that he was incompetent in discharging his mandate that led to his early exit from the police service.

“How can somebody say I am incompetent yet I have served for over three decades diligently without integrity issues?” Wondered Kimaiyo.

He obliquely lashed out at Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Kipchumba Murkomen, saying he cannot claim to be conversant with the Kenyans politics from a few years in Parliament.

“My record speaks for itself and I believed I was a victim of political witch-hunt and I believe that if I am elected, I will protect the interest of all against injustices and conspiracy from individuals who want to curtail their services,” he said.

Murkomen  has expressed doubt over Kimaiyo’s ability to represent the county saying his past tenure in public office has been marred by cases of incompetence.

Several other former public servants have expressed interest in running for political office in the 2017 General Election.

They include former Information Minister, Samuel Poghisio, who is running for West Pokot Senate seat, former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Joseph ole Lenku, who is gunning for Kajiado governorship seat and former Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Anne Waiguru, who is running for Kirinyaga Governor.

Others are former Secretary to the Cabinet, Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua governorship), former Labour Cabinet Secretary, Kazungu Kambi (Kilifi governorship) and Water Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa, who is gunning for Nairobi governorship seat.