Friday, June 8, 2012

Uhuru faces storm


Uhuru faces storm

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Updated 7 hrs 59 mins ago
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.
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.
It is such sentiments that have angered the leaders of the other parties, who now accuse a section of TNA leaders of contempt for 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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