PNU draws unity protocol as poll strategy

By Standard Reporter

The Party of National Unity has signed a unity protocol and a nomination strategy for its top contenders as it schemes for the 2012 General Election.

The party put its rivals on notice saying it will mount a powerful alliance to propel it to power when President Kibaki retires next year.

PNU secretary general, Kiraitu Murungi said, three top contenders-Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti have signed the protocol for a joint nomination to pick the party’s candidate.

“The agreement spells out that whoever wins the nomination fairly will be backed by the rest of the candidates as PNU’s torch bearer,” Kiraitu said.

Wrestle ODM

“We are working on the nomination rules and procedures which will ensure PNU bonds into a strong force with heavyweights on board to wrestle ODM at the ballot,” Kiraitu said.

“We are not taking chances and we are not asking anybody to step down in favour of the other. We will ensure a free, fair nomination process,” Kiraitu said in statement to The Standard.

Kiraitu said the candidates must start preparing to battle it out in the open nominations and to stick with the party even when they lose nominations.

“We do not have a preferred candidate yet and there are no secret meetings to dissuade Uhuru from running for the top seat,” Kiraitu said.

“We are alive to the fact that Uhuru is an asset to PNU who brings on board the valuable numbers from Central province where he is billed the torch bearer. If he wins nominations we will support him to the hilt,” Kiraitu said.

“The same applies to Kalonzo and Saitoti but all the three must be prepared to battle it out for we all know the value of a strong alliance,” Kiraitu said.

His statement targets prime rivals in the Orange Democratic Party whose leaders Prime Minister Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi have expressed interest in the Presidency.

Narc Kenya, which broke away from PNU ranks, has been pitching its campaigns through Gichugu MP, Martha Karua.  Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa of New Ford Kenya has also expressed interest in the Presidency.

It was not immediately clear how the running mate in the PNU alliance will be picked, but sources said the runner-up may be considered for the position.

Parties are watching keenly the election date for the 2012 polls after opinion differed on the exact date of the first polls after the promulgation of the new Constitution.