This is not the right time for political alliances, says VP

By Wairimu Kamande

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has said he has no plans of joining any political alliance as claimed in sections of the media.

Speaking in Thika yesterday, the VP admonished the media for speculating a possible alliance with Higher Education Minister William Ruto and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta in preparation for 2012 General Election.

"I wonder why the National Cohesion and Integration team has not focused on the media yet this thing about forming an alliance is anti-cohesion," said Kalonzo.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka (right), Prof George Eshiwani (centre) and Higher Education Minister William Ruto during the graduation at Mt Kenya University, Thika, Friday. [PHOTO: John Muchucha]

The VP was presiding over Mt Kenya University’s second graduation ceremony, where he shared the podium with Ruto.

The duo said it was important the implementation of new Constitution involves those who voted against it.

Ruto’s Retention In Cabinet

"The campaigns are over and it is not time for apportioning blame. We should move on together as a nation. Nobody should write off another," said Kalonzo.

Kalonzo also lauded President Kibaki for giving democratic space to those who opposed the adoption of the new laws before amendments were effected, saying it was wise of him to retain the likes of Ruto in the Cabinet.

Ruto called for unity in the implementation of the new laws saying it calls for positive contribution to enact them.

He, however, said the laws still need amendments on contentious issues and ambiguous clauses for it to serve Kenyans well.

"We should think of what we can contribute to make the constitution work for our motherland," said Ruto.

He added that there was the need to positively, harness the potential presented by the new Constitution.

During the ceremony, 1,474 candidates awarded diplomas, degrees and honorary degrees.

Among those awarded honorary degrees were former Defence Minister Njenga Karume and the founder of Rwanda Tourism University College Zulfat Mukarubega. They were awarded doctors of Humane Letters and Education, respectively.

Karume praised Kenyans for voting for a new constitution and the ‘No’ camp for accepting defeat honourably, thus ensuring Kenyans remained united.

Yesterday marked two years since the university was issued with a letter of interim authority to offer degree courses.