Kanu seeks partners in Uhuru’s top job bid

FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST 2011 00:05 BY JESSE MWANGI

STRATEGY: KANU National Executive Director Joseph Mathai. Photo/Jesse Mwangi

Kanu is searching for partners with whom to form an alliance that will propel Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to State House. Yesterday a party official revealed that they are ready to welcome like-minded parties to consolidate support for Uhuru who is among the four presidential aspirants from Central region. Others are Assistant Minister for Planning and Vision 2030 Peter Kenneth, Gichugu MP Martha Karua, Gachoka MP Rev. Mutava Musyimi and former Kabete MP Paul Muite.

Kanu official Joseph Mathai revealed that  three parties have shown interest in uniting with the Independence party for it to reclaim its lost glory. The party became moribund after former President Moi left office. Addressing a forum in Murang’a Mathai, who is the Kanu national executive director, said the party is forging a head although it has been embroiled in leadership squabbles which have ended up in court.
 He said they have been holding talks with parties including Sisi kwa Sisi, PNU and DP plus all the parties which are in support of President Kibaki, for a possible alliance.

Mathai said parties must forge alliances ahead of 2012 election adding that this is the only way small outfits will survive. He said Kanu is working on modalities to have other parties come on board to help boost the DPM’s presidential ambitions.The director at the same time said it is not yet clear whether Uhuru will vie for the presidency using the party ticket.

He disclosed that Uhuru may join a party that will accommodate all Kenyans, specially the people from Central region. “My chairman has said he will join a party that will bring on board all Kenyans and he has also talked of a possible alliance with like-minded political parties and individuals,” said the executive director.

 Mathai at the same time said there is need for Central Kenya region to rally behind one presidential candidate to ensure victory. He said the party intends to embark on a major recruitment of the youth adding that majority of  the party’s members are old people. “The party is facing extinction unless we recruit the youth and also give them leadership positions in the party,”  Mathai said.

He said the party will also incorporate several women leaders in its leadership adding the party must also help in making choices of leaders to elect in 2012. Although it is a democratic right for anyone to vie for the presidency, he said Central should rally behind one candidate just like the rest of the regions in the country.