Vihiga
By Seliphar Musungu
Dr Wilberforce Khasilwa Ottichilo is only remaining with only 18 months before he presents his case for the second time to the voters to decide his fate.
The governor whose administration has been riddled with different scandals, massive layoffs, bloated wage bill and delayed payments to health workers will be on the ballot in August next year seeking re-election.
The electorate will have two options when delivering there judgement on his performance, retain him as Vihiga Governor if satisfied with his administration or give him a direct ticket to early retirement (political oblivion).
However, before that happens, Governor Ottichilo has a litmus test of first edging out four contestants thirsting to unseat him. They are businessman Alex Kidake, Ex- Governor Moses Akaranga, Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi and maverick Vihiga Senator George Khaniri.
So far, former gubernatorial aspirants Eng. Josephat Amadi (Independent) and political novice Kennedy Butiko (UDP) have not made their intentions clear on whether they are on the race or they are just satisfied to remain in political oblivion.
As Ottichilo prepares his arsenal to face his compatriots in the race for the governorship seat, he is facing stiff competition from one Alex Kidake, a youthful business mogul who will be trying his stab at the seat for the first time on Moses Wetang’ula led Ford Kenya party.
But who is this Alex Kidake? Who are behind his candidature and why?
The 2022 gubernatorial candidate is married to Carol Kidake and have been blessed with three children namely Ron Liester Kidake, Jakes Kidake and Shirlyne Kidake. Carol is co-founder of Kidake foundation while the children school at Gems Winchester School- Dubai.
Kidake who is in his early 40’s hails from Munoywa village in Sabatia constituency.
During his early life, he went to Munoywa primary school and later Emusire Boys High School for his ‘O’ levels.
He then proceeded to Mount Kenya University (MKU) for a degree in Business Commerce (B-com) and then University of Nairobi (UoN) for his Master’s in Bcom- Finance option and ventured into business.
The 2022 gubernatorial candidate is married to Carol Kidake and they have been blessed with three children namely Ron Liester Kidake, Jakes Kidake and Shirlyne Kidake. Carol is co-founder of Kidake foundation while the children school at Gems Winchester School- Dubai.
Kidake’s favourite meal is ‘Isindu’ and eats five quails and three quail eggs daily, the reason he is physically fit.
“Vihiga County does not need a politician but a manager like me who knows how to plan for key sectors like infrastructure development, give cheap loans to the locals, and invest in ICT and support children from vulnerable backgrounds to access education. This is the only to develop our county,” said Kidake.
“I am a consultant in a wide range of areas from real estate, leadership and governance to financial services,” said Kidake in an interview with County Splash News.
He added : “I am the founder of Kidake foundation- a non-profit making organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for all, eradicate poverty and promote justice, equity, peace, cultural values, human rights and democracy,”
Kidake said the main reason for seeking for the governorship seat is to inject new blood in the management of the county affairs and get rid of old guards (seasoned politicians) who promise heaven but deliver nothing.
“Vihiga County does not need a politician but a manager like me who knows how to plan for key sectors like infrastructure development, give cheap loans to the locals, and invest in ICT and support children from vulnerable backgrounds to access education. This is the only to develop our county,” said Kidake.
“When elected as the third governor of Vihiga, I will develop and implement rapid and sustained economic growth policies and programs targeting the Health sector, Education, Environment, and Agriculture. This will go a long in fast tracking the economic growth of the county by double digits,” said Kidake.
He regretted that since the inception of devolution in 2013, Vihiga has received over Sh35billion but there is no tangible projects the two governors (Akaranga and Ottichilo) initiated and ended up giving jobs to the locals.
Kidake said the money was spent in funding ghost projects at the expense of the taxpayer who did not get value for his money.
“When elected as the third governor of Vihiga, I will develop and implement rapid and sustained economic growth policies and programs targeting the Health sector, Education, Environment, and Agriculture. This will go a long in fast tracking the economic growth of the county by double digits,” said Kidake.
He said giving youths handouts was not a gate pass to get them out of abject poverty but formulation of policies that favour them.
Kidake said the other candidates should expect a tough contest for the gubernatorial seat and that they should brace themselves for an early defeat.
Ends
