Ruto and Mwakwere in unity pact

LABAN WALLOGA | NATION Gender minister Naomi Shaban and Eldoret North MP William Ruto at Kwale Girls High School on Sunday. Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere and Mr Ruto pledged to work together ahead of next year’s elections

By ANTHONY KITIMO, akitimo@ke.nationmedia.com and ISSA HUSSEIN, newsdesk@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Sunday, July 3 2011 at 21:48

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Eldoret North MP William Ruto has promised to work closely with Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere as he seeks support from Coast residents in his presidential bid next year.

As his Coast tour entered the third day, Mr Ruto said he would woo more Coast leaders and youths to get the region’s backing.
Mr Ruto on Sunday traversed South Coast to market his new political party, United Democratic Movement.

During his first stop at Kwale Girls High School, the MP and Mr Mwakwere said they would work together ahead of the 2012 General Election.

Mr Ruto started his tour in Malindi before proceeding to Magarini, Mtwapa, Kilifi and Mazeras.

After the Kwale funds drive, he was expected to hold a rally in Msambweni.

Mr Mwakwere said those seeking to vie for president would only get Coast votes if they shared top seats in the party with leaders from the region.

“Coast people have been left behind for so many years, and unless we are allocated special seats this time, we will not support anybody. I have decided to stand together with Mr Ruto because we feel we have a big share in the party,” he said.

Kaloleni MP Kazungu Kambi, Mr Ruto’s pointman in Nyanza George Ayugi and former Kisauni MP Anania Mwaboza were among leaders who accompanied the Eldoret North MP in his Coast tour.

Mr Ruto urged Kenyans to vote for leaders with clean records.

Clean record

“I ask you not to elect people who have been implicated in corruption and drug trafficking,” Mr Ruto said.

At the same time, Livestock assistant minister Aden Duale has said Muslims would only rally behind a presidential candidate who would nominate a Muslim as a running mate.

The Dujis MP, who is a close ally of Mr Ruto, said Muslim leaders would bargain for the vice-presidency in the next General Election.

“The era of MoUs is gone. Any presidential hopeful who wants the support of Muslims must meet this condition,” Mr Duale said.

Speaking during the 27th graduation ceremony of Madarasatul Najah in Garissa Town, the MP said Muslims were still being harassed despite the new constitutional dispensation.