Eugine Wamalwa grateful on nomination

Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary nominee Eugene Wamalwa has expressed willingness to “slow down on politics” and dedicate his efforts in service delivery if his appointment is confirmed. In an interview with The Standard On Sunday, the New Ford Kenya party leader promised to “hit the ground running.” “As a lawyer, I understand and appreciate the constitutional dictates. If confirmed in my new position, I will concentrate on serving Kenyans and play politics later,” he said, adding: “My primary task will be to make water available for all.” While thanking the President and his deputy William Ruto for having faith in him, Wamalwa criticised other Western region leaders for exhibiting negative energy. “This whole talk about me being assigned a junior ministry is hogwash. There is a lot of excitement on the ground already,” he said. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale earlier dismissed Wamalwa’s nomination as a ploy by the President to woo residents of Western Kenya “through small jobs handed to friendly individuals.” Khalwale accused the President of dishing out “small jobs” to local politicians with a view of wooing them to the Jubilee coalition. Describing the Water and Irrigation docket as “kazi ya karani (clerical job)”, Khalwale said Wamalwa’s job will not benefit locals. Right from the 2013 pre-election period, President Kenyatta made efforts to get a foothold in Western Kenya region, home to the populous Luhya community, who are only second to Kikuyu community. source:http://www.standardmedia.co.ke