Uhuru fails to name party despite pressure from G7

By FRANCIS NGIGE and BONIFACE GIKANDI

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta refused to bow to pressure from fellow leaders in the G7 group to name his political party.

Uhuru, who has kept his supporters guessing over which party he would use for the election, declined to state the party despite calls from William Ruto, Eugene Wamalwa, and other leaders at a rally in Murang’a on Saturday. At the same time, Uhuru dismissed claims he was involved in any plot to assassinate Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

"It is not my interest to kill anyone as I am currently busy doing important business, among them uniting Kenyans. Why kill him and I need to face him in an election so that I can win fair and square," said Uhuru.

Speaking during the homecoming party of Nairobi Metropolitan Minister, Jamleck Kamau, some leaders also hinted that deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi was headed in the group.

Dujis MP Aden Duale claimed Mr Mudavadi was on his way to G7 after ditching ODM. "We are counting on Mudavadi among our leaders since we know what he stands for. We are going to work as a team," said Mr Duale.

The meeting at Kigumo Bendera Secondary School in Kigumo was attended by 30 MPs, among them Cabinet ministers.

On the issue of party, Ruto and Wamalwa had insisted the G7 political group should start strategising for the General Election and wanted Uhuru to decide on the party. Ruto was explicit saying all leaders in the group were identified with a party apart from Uhuru.

"Am in United Republican Party and the rest are in other parties, we want Uhuru to name his party so that we can prepare the ground in readiness for elections," said Ruto.

All the leaders present also urged Uhuru to name his party of choice to end anxiety among his supporters.

But when he rose to speak, Uhuru evaded the topic insisting on unity in central Kenya.

All the leaders who spoke said G7 was founded on the need to bring people from all parts of the country. Ruto said the plans the group had put in place was a sure way of ascending to presidency.

"We are not going to let down our supporters. We will remain united till the end and ensure that one of us will be the president of this country," said Ruto.

Wamalwa said since the group was brought together by ideals, he was sure one of them would become the president.

"This is the team that will lead the country, it does not matter who will become the president, the important thing is a leader acceptable to Kenyans.