Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

  by Wangari Njuguna and KNA

@PeopleDailyKe

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi (right) has vowed to fight corruption in the public sector if he succeeds in his presidential bid.

Muturi at the weekend said corruption has denied Kenyans essential services, adding that for the country to attain substantial economic growth, graft must be stopped. He was speaking at Kimorori grounds in Murang’a where former Water Principal Secretary Wairagu wa Maai launched his gubernatorial bid.

He said many challenges — especially in health and agriculture — are occasioned by corruption.

“Its unfortunate public hospitals have no drugs; medical officers go for months without salaries. All these problems are attributed to runaway corruption,” he asserted.

 Muturi further accused the national government of delaying disbursement of devolved funds, adding: “I wonder why funds for agriculture and health are still being controlled in Nairobi!”

Muturi, who is vying for the presidency on a Democratic Party (DP) ticket, said there is a need for auditing and proper planning in education sector. All children should have better opportunities, he said.

Meanwhile, Muturi drummed up support for Wairagu, who is vying for Murang’a  governorship on a DP ticket. He dismissed claims that DP was a tribal outfit

On his part, Wairagu enumerated key areas he would give priority to if he succeeds Governor Mwangi wa Iria. They include programmes to boost the livelihoods of the poor.

, youth, women and people living with disabilities.

 “It is unfortunate that education has become highly commercialised in our country. The rich take their children to expensive institutions when those from poor families learn in dilapidated structures. With proper planning, money given to the education sector can ensure every child has the opportunity to study in a better environment,” he added.

Meanwhile, Muturi drummed support for Wairagu who is vying for governorship on DP ticket saying he has experience to lead Murang’a County as governor.

The speaker said Wairagu has a proven development record asking people of Murang’a to give him a chance to serve them.

 “When the PS served the government in various capacities, he proved to be a committed civil servant and am sure when he clinches the governorship post he will ensure the economy of Murang’a grows at a big percentage,” he further said.

On his part, Wairagu enumerated key areas he will give priority within 100 days if he manages to succeed governor Mwangi wa Iria.

He said he will have programmes to boost livelihoods for the poor, youth, women and people living with disabilities.

 Muturi dismissed claims that Democratic Party was a tribal outfit, maintaining that it remains a national outfit with members all over the country. He added that like any other political party, DP has its roots in the Mt Kenya region.

Muturi said the party like any other out fight has its roots and a stronghold and this should not be seen as tribal.

“There is nothing wrong for any party to have its stronghold in any part of the country because it must originate from somewhere,” he said.“We should not be told that our party is tribal because I have been going to various parts of the country to meet people at the grassroots,” he added.