By Kurgat Marindany
Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko has dropped her 2022 gubernatorial bid, and instead she will back Governor Joseph Lenku.
In a statement, that received a standing ovation from thousands of people including Lenku in Kenyewa/Poka Ward, Tobiko stated; “Lenku is our man in 2022, and I will back him fully with my troops.”
Tobiko was speaking during a homecoming ceremony for nominated MCA Yvonne Tonkei at her home when she said it is time for Kajiado Maasai leaders to forge unity.
She electrified those in the attendance when she said Lenku is a focused leader the county has ever had.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga had a ‘golden’ hand shake recently which miraculously united the country immediately; and I am calling upon our leaders including Kakuta Maimai and others who were in the opposition to join us build this county,” said Tobiko.
Tobiko’s statement roused the attention of all the elected legislators in Parliament and the Senate, and among the more than 90 per cent of MCAs who attended the fete. Among the leaders present were; senator Philip Mpaayei, Kajiado West MP George Sunkuyia, Governor Lenku and his deputy Martin Moshisho and the Speaker of the County Assembly Johnson Osoi.
Tobiko, who had in the past indicated that she would seek the governor position in 2022, had a frosty relation with Lenku ahead of the 2017 general election.
The MP however, warned those salivating for her seat in 2022 to prepare well for the combat.
“I will defend my seat to the best of my ability. We have been there and you know how I can be in political contests,” said Tobiko amid ululation from her supporters.
Every leader who spoke during the occasion praised Tonkei for her support for Jubilee in the last election.
Tobiko said of her; “This young girl can go places, and if she plays her role well, we might see her in the next Parliament..”
Sunkuyia thanked the people of Kajiado East for supporting Jubilee in last year’s election.
Earlier on, the people of Kenyewa/Poka ward were mesmerized by their leaders who ruled the air as they arrived in different choppers for the occasion.