KIBAKI WARNS UHURU KALONZO, SAITOTI

By The Star Page: 1 on Fri 15th October 2010, under Politics

BY FRANCIS MUREITHI AND MOSOKU GEOFFREY

PRESIDENT Kibaki has told Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Internal Security minister George Saitoti and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to stop jockeying for power and agree on who should be his successor. Uhuru is the Kanu chairman, Kalonzo heads ODM Kenya while Saitoti is the PNU chairman.

Kibaki is apparently concerned that his PNU coalition may not be able to mount a formidable campaign in 2012 if its present leadership wrangles persist. Two weeks ago Kibaki called the three leaders to a meeting in State house to discuss the future of the coalition, according to informed sources.

He reportedly told them that his tenure at State House comes to an end in two years and he would want his successor chosen in a democratic manner that is agreeable to all the PNU affiliate parties. Uhuru, Kalonzo and Saitoti agreed to start consultative private meetings and joint public functions to identify a mutually agreeable candidate to be endorsed by the President. Yesterday Agriculture assistant minister Kareke Mbiuki confirmed that he was aware of the State House meeting.

"The President read to them the riot act, that unless they are together, they should never count on his support," Mbuiki said. An Uhuru ally confirmed that the meeting took place but said the issue of 2012 did not arise. "The interest of President Kibaki is the unity of the PNU coalition and mainly when it comes to implementation of the new constitution because that is his legacy. That is why such meetings are taking place," said Uhuru's ally. ODM-Kenya nominated MP Mohammed Affey said, "The President is concerned not only about the prospects of a disjointed PNU for 2012 but about all party members... the President asked the leaders to work together and identify a single candidate."

PNU vice chairman George Nyamweya told the Star that President Kibaki instructed the three leaders during the meeting to work together and identify a single candidate ahead of 2012. "We have many options on the table, key among them strengthening the PNU as a coalition movement or forming a new party," added Nyamweya. According to MPs John Mututho (Naivasha), Kareke Mbiuki (Nithi), Ferdinand Waititu (Embakasi) and Simon Mbugua (Kamukunji), the best candidate to succeed President Kibaki is Uhufu.

Uhuru's allies want to register a political party the Green Alliance, which campaigned for Yes during the referendum on the new constitution. MPs close to Uhuru hinted that the Green Alliance will bring together politicians "with a youthful face" from across Kenya. Once the leaders are identified, the movement will be registered as a political party. Its leaders will then be subjected to a democratic nomination process in the Kibaki succession plan.

Politicians targeted in the alliance include Higher Education minister William Ruto, now considered the Rift Valley de facto leader, Kalonzo from Eastern, and Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa who has considerable support from Western. Others are Tourism Minister Najib Balala from the Coast, Mandera Central MP Abdikadk Mohammed, and assistant ministers Kabando wa Kabando of Central and Mwangi Kiunjuri of Rift Valley. "All the presidential candidates are welcome, they are going to run for presidency under one banner. And when nominations come, we are going to support Uhuru," said Mbiuki.

But another MP said speculation on the registration of the Green Alliance as a party was premature.

"The Green Alliance is just a movement, not a party. It is the union of-young political leaders who have a vision for the country. It is the new face of Kenya and if it converts into a party at some point, well and good;" he said. "According to Embakasi's Ferdinand Waititu, Central Kenya politicians are working on a formula to ensure the Mt Kenya region rallies behind Uhuru in 2012.

He said Luo Nyanza was solidly behind Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Rift Valley behind Ruto hence the need for Mt Kenya region to rally behind one candidate. "There is a need for leaders from Central Kenya to join forces," said the Embakasi MP who is close to Finance minister Uhuru. Last Sunday, Environment minister John Michuki, speaking in his Kangema constituency, declared that Uhuru was the best placed candidate to lead the Kikuyu community after the exit of President Kibaki.

The minister further stated that any politician who wanted to form an alliance with the Kikuyu must do so through Uhuru. However Michuki was castigated by among others Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua who has already declared her interest in the presidency come 2012. "She is an agent of ODM and specifically Raila, we know that," said an MP from Central Kenya yesterday.

"The statement from Michuki is very welcome," said Mbiuki. He said Meru leaders were working to ensure everyone rallies behind Uhuru. "The only true leader who is acceptable among the community is Uhuru," said Naivasha MP John Mututho. "We will expose Karua if she continues to undermine Uhuru".