Nairobi — President Mwai Kibaki has created two districts in Gusiiland as he campaigns for his re-election.

The creation of Manga and South Gucha districts brings to eight the number of districts in the area in addition to Kisii, South Kisii, Nyamira, Borabu, Masaba and Gucha.

Roads minister Simeon Nyachae assured the Head of State that the Gusii had made up their minds and they would not turn back.

South Gucha will be carved out from Kisii South District.

Speaking at Nyamarambe market, the President asked the people of South Mugirango to vote for him.

He said outgoing area MP Omingo Magara had lost direction but "would accommodate him if he realised his mistakes".

At Nyamache divisional headquarters in Gucha, President Kibaki elevated the sub-district hospital to a district hospital.

He, however, declined to create a new district, several divisions, a tea factory, a teachers' training college, a banana factory and a university as the residents had demanded.

"I have heard your demands and they will be worked on. We have created districts elsewhere and we shall continue creating more," he added.

Sports assistant minister Joel Onyancha had asked for two divisions in his constituency while outgoing Bobasi MP Stephen Manoti requested two divisions and a district hospital. He got the hospital.

Change his mind

At a rally in Kuria District, President Kibaki had to change his mind and announce creation of a new district as demanded by residents.

There were murmurs from the crowd attending the rally at Kehancha Stadium, when the Head of State at first declined to announce a new administrative unit, saying he first wanted to get details on the area's population.

Cabinet ministers Wilfred Machage, Nyachae and Henry Obwocha held quick consultations before walking over to where the President was.

President Kibaki then finished his speech, promising to address their request 'within the next few days'.

Dr Machage and former Kuria MP Shadrack Manga and their supporters broke into song and dance after the President's offer.

Addressing a rally in Garissa Town on Sunday evening, the President exuded confidence he would win the polls citing his development record.

"We don't want leaders who are going to divide the country along tribal lines," he said and asked Kenyans to ignore his rivals and vote for him.

President Kibaki said the country was headed for better times if he was re-elected, adding that the development of North Eastern Province would top his agenda.

Speakers included Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta, ministers Kivutha Kibwana (Lands) and Mahmoud Mohammed (Regional Development).

Others were outgoing MPs Ali Wario and Mohammed Maalim (Dujis).

Mr Kenyatta lashed out at opponents in Orange parties, for failing to concede that the President had worked wonders for the country.