Ruto team seeks truce in UDM feud

By Vitalis Kimutai

Battle for the control of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) could escalate following the Wednesday mini-Cabinet reshuffle.

Eldoret North MP William Ruto, Hellen Sambili (Mogotio), Aden Duale (Dujis) and Muhamud Ali (Mandera West), all aligned to the party, were sacked in the mini-reshuffle.

Those identifying with the party are plotting on how to raise their stakes, having severed links with ODM.

The changes were seen as a decisive move by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to crack the whip against ODM rebel MPs.

The PM’s action also technically severed the working relationship between UDM and ODM, which saw him appoint Sambili to the Cabinet.

Ruto and his team now face a dilemma as leadership wrangles persist in UDM, casting a dark shadow over their 2012 prospects in the party.

Lieutenant General (retired) John Koech, who was ousted as UDM chairman last year and replaced with Mr Joseph Chirchir, has contested the changes in court.

Koech, who insists he is still in charge of the party, has also announced he would be seeking UDM presidential ticket, fuelling party rifts.

Ruto is said to have sent emissaries to plead with Koech for a truce over the leadership tussle.

Koech, who confirmed the overtures, said he prefers courts to handle matter.

Trade Minister Ali Mwakwere, Ruto, Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, former Speaker Francis Kaparo have said they would be seeking party presidential ticket. A section of Rift Valley MPs aligned to Ruto have vowed to resign their parliamentary seats and seek fresh mandate should ODM live up to its threat to kick them out.

Court case

The MPs are said to be readying themselves for the outcome of a case filed by ODM members Mburu Mpuri and Kepher Odongo seeking to kick out MPs William Ruto, Isaac Ruto, Charles Keter, Joshua Kutuny and Aden Duale from the party for their alleged association with UDM.

High Court Judge Jeanne Gacheche referred the matter to Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.

MPs David Koech, Benjamin Langat, Sammy Mwaita, Mosses Lessonet, Luka Kigen, Jackson Kiptanui, Zakayo Cheruiyot, Fred Kapondi said they were ready to give up their seats and seek re-election on UDM ticket.

East African Community Minister Musa Sirma and Energy Assistant minister Magerer Langat said the MPs should quit ODM.

"They have publicly declared they are in UDM and it is upon the Registrar of Political Parties to take action against them. If not, we shall sue her for failing to perform her duties," Magerer said.

Sirma said his colleagues were merely issuing threats to ODM to go slow with disciplinary action against them.

"None of them is ready for a by-election because they do not have support on the ground," Sirma said.

But UDM Secretary General Martin Kamwaro and Director of Election Moses Cheboi said the MPs would be re-elected if they resigned.

Koech said: "There would be basic fundamental considerations and securing UDM ticket would depend on merit of each case, especially if one subscribes to our values as a party."

Koech said the party does not need excess baggage.

"I’m in charge of UDM and I’m going to contest the presidency on its ticket. Some people thought they should have me out of the way because they knew I am firm and not corruptible," Koech said.