Ruto, Kalonzo say G7 sure of beating ODM in 2012 polls

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By RENSON MNYAMWEZI

The so-called G7 alliance is a formidable force ready to form the next Government, two its members insist.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Eldoret North MP William Ruto warned that those thinking the alliance will collapse were dreaming.

"G7 will form the next Government and we will ensure that Kenyans are united and peaceful. We want a united country and it is on the G7 members who will ensure peace prevails," Kalonzo said.

The leaders said they were prepared to beat ODM come the General Election.

The two were addressing a crowd at Dawson Mwanyumba grounds in Taita Taveta County during a football tournament. Also present were Dujis MP Adan Duale, Gender minister Naomi Shaban and Wundanyi ODM MP Thomas Mwadeghu.

Ruto said he would work with Kalonzo, PNU’s Prof George Saitoti and Kanu leader Uhuru Kenyatta to unite Kenyans.

"I will try to improve the living standards of Kenyans and I am working with like-minded leaders like Saitoti, Uhuru and Kalonzo to chart this course," Ruto said.

He asked Coast communities to work with him in a bid to win the presidency.

"I want to work together with Coast people because this region faces similar problems to those in Rift Valley," he said.

He said the squatter problem and high poverty levels will be a thing of the past once he ascends to the presidency.

Mining and land rights

Dr Shaban told the G7 alliance to tell the local communities what benefits they will get if it formed the next government.

"We don’t want to be taken for a ride. We want to know what benefits G7 will bring to us so that we support the alliance," she said.

Mr Duale said the alliance has laid strategies to beat ODM. "We have moved in all parts of the country and Kenyans support UDM of Mr Ruto," said Duale.

He urged local leaders including former Cabinet minister Marsden Madoka, former Voi MP Basil Mwakiringo and former Wundanyi MP Mwandawiro Mganga to support the party.

"UDM is the choice of Kenyans and local leaders should not be left behind," Duale said.

Meanwhile, Shaban has warned individuals who have been violating mining and land rights of communities living in the county that their days were numbered.

"Residents of Taita Taveta have been marginalized and their mining and land rights have been infringed," she said. The Taveta MP said the devolved government will ensure that land rights are respected.