Kalonzo, Ruto to form coalition for easy win

By Peter Mutai and Edwin Makiche

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said his party would enter into a coalition agreement with William Ruto’s party to form the next government.

The two presidential aspirants were speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Myoot Kalenjin Council of Elders leader Joseah Sang at Kapkatet Stadium in Buret. MPs allied to Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP) and ODM attended the function.

Kalonzo said time was ripe for the two leaders to enter into a political alliance in readiness for the polls on March 4.  He said time was running out and they risked losing to their competitors.

Kalonzo opined that he, Ruto, together with other leaders will form a coalition that will ensure their team wins at the first round.

“We want to form an alliance with Ruto’s URP so that we take over power next year. The time for that arrangement is now,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo said he was rooting for a political alliance with the Eldoret North MP. He added he does not want to enter into any political deal that would be formed on the basis of using others to acquire power.

The two leaders, however, differed on the timing of the coalition with Kalonzo preferring a pre-election agreement. Ruto rooted for a post-election arrangement.

Ruto said it was wise for the two presidential aspirants to form a coalition after the General Election.

“We want all our friends to solidify their support base and look for friends across the country ahead of the polls so that we can form an alliance after the polls,” he said.

Ruto noted that his alliance with Kalonzo would help unify the country and form a strong government.

Ruto called on Sang to work with other elders from other communities in preaching peace and uniting Kenyans.

Frankline Bett, the host and area MP, called on all presidential aspirants and others eyeing various seats to preach peace and unity as they traverse the country.

Kalonzo assured the Mau Forest evictees and locals that the Government would resettle more than 5,000 families in land that has been identified in Rongai area in Nakuru County.

Sang took over from major (rtd) John Seii whose term at the helm expired in April, after serving the council for two years.

Others who attended the ceremony were Cabinet minister Samuel Pogisho, assistant ministers Beatrice Kones, and Magerer Langat.

MPs present included Charles Keter, David Koech, Isaac Ruto, Julius Kones, Joyce Laboso, Zakayo Cheruiyot and former MPs Paul Sang, Nathaniel Chebelyon, Anthony Kimetho, Charles Kirui and Raphael Kitur.