Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has organised a series of prayer meetings as part of his presidential campaign in his Ukambani backyard. He told residents of Machakos district yesterday that there are prophets of doom spreading rumours he would quit the race for State House. "I will say this the last time, I will never back down from the race for State House and those who are belittling me with insults stand to be cursed as I represent the forces of good that is fighting the evil one," said Kalonzo.

The VP thanked the Kamba community for supporting in 2007 and said he needed it in his second bid for the presidency. "I have gone through numerous hurdles since 2002 but I have overcome them and I am confident that this time round, I will get the presidency despite the stiff competition," said the VP. He said Kenyans should never allow to be used for violence as was the case in 2007 and warned that inciters will face the full force of the law.

Kalonzo was speaking at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos town where he urged aspirants for political seats in the next year's general election to conduct peaceful campaigns. Present were MPs Peter Kiilu,Gideon Ndambuki,Charles Kilonzo,Mohamed Affey Johnstone Muthama,Victor Munyaka, Itwiku Mbai, Philip Kaloki, Isaac Muoki and Ferdinand Waititu.

The kamba council of elders told Kalonzo that he needs not seek votes in ukambani and now concentrate on other parts of the country in his quest for the presidency. At the meeting,the chairman of water resources management authority, Francis Nyenze, a staunch supporter of water minister Charity Ngilu declared his support for Kalonzo. Kalonzo will tomorrow be in Makueni,county before going to Kitui on Friday and Mwingi in Saturday to wind up his ukambani tour once and for all till after the general elections.