Sunday, July 8, 2012

Bett promise of ‘major statement’ stirs region


Bett promise of ‘major statement’ stirs region

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Updated 7 hrs 4 mins ago
By Beauttah Omanga
What is Roads Minister Franklin Bett up to in his latest political manoeuvres?
This is the question in the South Rift since Bett declared he would be making a statement in September.
A day after his declaration, Energy Assistant minister Magerer Langat warned that if the Roads minister is not appointed Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s running mate, it would not be business as usual.
“We have been mistreated politically despite our numerical strength. And the fact is we are in ODM now and we are hoping the premier would heed our plea to consider nominating Bett as his running mate. If that does not happen, then we would have no choice, but to chart our own political course,” said Magerer.
One party
He claimed there were intensive talks involving Kipsigis politicians, including those allied to Eldoret North MP William Ruto on the need to join one political party that would address their community’s interests.
And given the tension between Ruto’s allies in the South Rift – Isaac Ruto and Charles Keter – it is now apparent the premier and the Eldoret North MP have a lot of balancing to do to retain their support.
Bett has intensified his interaction with residents of Kericho and Bomet counties in what would be seen as a strategy ahead of the promised political statement.
He says that even though he has never criticised ODM party chairman Henry Kosgey, the Tinderet MP was on record dismissing his contribution to the party. 
Running mate
“I have never undermined Kosgey whom I respect as my chairman, but it surprises me to hear him dismiss my desire to be the Prime Minister’s running mate. We have been dominated by our brothers from the North Rift for far too long,” Bett said.
The Roads minister says apart from supporting ODM, he has the experience given his past positions, including the long term stint as State House Comptroller during former President Moi’s regime. 
“It is true there is discomfort among the Kipsigis that they have not been rewarded and we are now almost deciding to move on our own,” said Langat, amid claims disgruntled supporters of Ruto and Raila could converge in UDM and back one of their own to run for president, under the party ticket.
He says talks are on-going with strategies being laid on how to fund raise, market the party, and then if need be, start holding talks with other parties. 
Bett, who declared at a funds drive at Kaptagich Secondary School that he would be making a major political declaration in September, first sent an indication something was on the offing. He said the Kipsigis community has listened to him and hoped they would still do.

“I advised you that Narc was to win the 2002 General Election, which came to pass. In 2005, we voted together against a draft constitution. In  2007, I told you the party was ODM and you all heard me. I warned you against rejecting a new constitution, which passed even if you voted against it. In September, I will tell you where to go. I am optimistic you will hear me,” said Bett. 
He said by September, the Kibaki succession politics would have become clearer for any alliances. 
“We are watching how things are taking shape and come September, we as leaders from the Kipsigis community would be making a major announcement,” said the Bureti MP.
But Magerer was more candid in an interview yesterday, saying they will only support the PM’s presidential bid if Bett is picked as his running mate.
In Ruto’s URP, there are silent wars between Keter and Isaac, with each accusing the other of acting as “prefect” using their ties with the Eldoret North MP. 
At one point, Keter accused his Chepalungu counterpart of scheming to field candidates against other MPs allied to William Ruto.
“Despite the challenges, URP is a strong party and we are not thinking of decamping to any other party,” said Keter. The Kipsigis leaders recently attended a rally addressed by Ruto and pledged their mission was to have a united Kipsigis.

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