Ruto hits at alliance critics

Written By:Lillian Mwendo,    Posted: Sat, Jun 04, 2011

Eldoret North MP William Ruto says they will front only one presidential candidate for the 2012 polls

Suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto has rubbished claims that there are rifts between him and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

Ruto who spoke at a home coming rally for Kirinyaga central MP Gachoki Gitari said the Uhuru-Ruto alliance stands strong for the 2012 general election.

The alliance which includes five other regional political key players had allegedly run into early problems.

Rumors were rife that the political union billed as a formidable alliance that could sweep its way to power come 2012, was facing a possible split following a comment last week by Ruto hinting that he could be going it alone.

But following the speculations of a looming breakup of the alliance, Ruto sought to put records straight.

Ruto dismissed as mere propaganda claims that he was considering ditching Uhuru saying they were re energizing their unity campaigns.

Ruto further revealed plans to nominate a single presidential candidate to strengthen the alliance and avoid similar assumptions in the future.

He called for unity and patience by leaders in the alliance, sentiments echoed by other leaders accompanying him for the Kirinyaga central MP homecoming rally.

Nairobi Metropolitan development minister Njeru Githae, Saboti Mp Eugene Wamalwa and Igembe South counterpart Mithika Linturi also emphasized on the need for the leading politicians to unite.

"We should lock Kalonzo, Ruto, Uhuru and Balala in one room until they get us one presidential candidate whom we shall vote come 2012," said Githae.

The Ndia Mp said unless the leaders remained united they were likely to lose the confidence of the electorate and elections.

The leaders however promised not to let the voters down by ensuring at least one person was fielded to face ODM's Raila Odinga.

In the months preceding their journey to The Hague, Uhuru and Ruto held joint rallies seen as their preparation for the 2012 succession politics, but since then the two have not been seen together as frequently in rallies as then educing rumors that something was amiss in the alliance.