Updated Friday, June 08 2012 at 09:48 GMT+3
By
Moses Njagih
Three parties fighting for political dominance in central Kenya
have forged a common front to counter the influence of Deputy Prime Minister
Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance party.
In what appears as a statement of defiance against the perceived
intimidation the parties are suffering from TNA, the Alliance Party of Kenya
(APK), Grand National Unity (GNU), and Democratic Party announced plans to
forge a common front for the General Election.
The coalition talk comes in the wake of
infighting between TNA-affiliated politicians and leaders of other parties in
the region, notably Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi-led APK.
The launch of TNA by Uhuru as his political
vehicle for the General Election has caused a rift among political players in
the region, with a section of the DPM’s supporters calling on other parties to
dissolve.
But in a statement sending out the signal the
three parties were not ready to be intimidated by the new alliance, leaders
from GNU, DP and APK, which was initially fronted by Kiraitu team as Uhuru’s
party, met in a Nairobi hotel on Thursday to initiate talks on a coalition.
And though the leaders also welcomed TNA, and
any other party to the talks on alliance building, they were categorical that
such discussions must be held on the principle of equality and mutual respect.
In a statement that appeared more directed at
TNA, the leaders said they would welcome other parties to the coalition talks,
but would not be intimidated into dissolving their parties to join any other.
Key party officials held the meeting. They
included Kiraitu, Mathira MP Ephraim Maina who heads the Central Kenya
Parliamentary Group, and a host of MPs allied to APK. Assistant Minister Mwangi
Kiunjuri and former Mathira MP Nderitu Gachagua represented GNU.
Former Ministers Chris Murungaru and Joseph
Munyao represented DP at the Panafric Hotel talks.
Kiraitu was categorical that though they
welcomed TNA into the coalition talks, members of Uhuru’s outfit must not
approach the move as a senior partner. “TNA is a political party just like
ours. While we have no problems engaging them as well, these talks must
be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect,’’ said Kiraitu.
“Nobody should come calling on other parties to
dissolve and join TNA, because we must be viewed as equal partners and
respected as registered political parties,” said Kiraitu.
Siakago MP Lenny Kivuti, who delivered the joint
official statement with Kiunjuri, emphasised the principle of respect, which
members of these parties have accused their colleagues in TNA of lacking. They
said those joining the pact should approach other parties as equal partners.
“We will have to work out a formula on how we
can work together, but importantly no party should feel superior or feel more
important than the others. We are for mutual respect,” said Kiunjuri.
The Assistant Minister dismissed talk by a
section of TNA leaders that all other parties should dissolve and join Uhuru’s
vehicle, or risk defeat at the General Election, claiming that, that was a
position of a few members.
cause for anger
Some MPs, notably Assistant ministers Lewis
Nguyai and Kareke Mbiuki, have dismissed other parties as bound to fail in the
elections following the TNA launch.
Nguyai especially has come under criticism with
his alleged claim that central Kenya electorate would rather elect a dog under
the TNA banner than other candidates on other parties.
On Thursday Kiunjuri said they would treat with
contempt the Nguyai talk, as he is not an official of TNA and cannot therefore
be making such statements on behalf of the outfit.
“The official position can only be made by
the national officials of that party, and it would be granting that member too
much publicity by responding to him,” the Laikipia East MP said. Kiunjuri
said the TNA members must tolerate other parties and allow competition, instead
of calling on them to fold up.
“Even in the Bible Jesus said wheat and
tare should be allowed to grow together and only be separated at harvest,” he
added.
Kiraitu said the group could even consider a
merger, if needed, but added that these are details on which members would
decide.
He explained that since the three parties that
have started coalition talks do not have presidential candidates, the matter
would also be discussed as negotiations progress.
Though GNU has indicated that it would support
Uhuru’s candidature, APK has insisted it would consider the three presidential
aspirants, who were signatories to a protocol that led to the parties’
formation – Uhuru, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Internal Security
Minister George Saitoti.
Munyao said it was important for the parties to
start early engagements towards a coalition, to resolve issues in time for
elections.
“It is necessary that we start engaging early enough,
we clear our house in advance before we go to elections. Other parties should
also start engaging and consulting us before it is too late,” he said.
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