Uhuru reaffirms his presidential bid, won’t step down for others

By Peterson Githaiga

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta maintained his presidential candidacy on The National Alliance (TNA) ticket is on course and it is up to voters to decide President Kibaki’s successor.

“I am in TNA through and through and it is Kenyans who will make the final decision,” Uhuru said.

The Gatundu South MP described as “deceitful and dishonest” those claiming that people from some communities shouldn’t vie for the presidency.

Some politicians have suggested that presidential aspirants from communities that have already produced a president should defer their bids.

Uhuru spoke at Nakeel grounds in Rongai where he campaigned for the TNA candidate in the Kajiado North parliamentary by-election Moses ole Sakuda ahead of the September 17 vote.

Kajiado county council chairman Taraiya ole Kores led local leaders to the meeting.

Uhuru praised TNA nominations loser Joseph Manje and David Parseina for accepting to back Sakuda, adding that this is the way to build a strong party.

Parseina of Eldoret North MP William Ruto’s United Republican Party dropped her candidature for the parliamentary seat to back Sakuda.

Uhuru said TNA believes in unity and peace. “Unity because the 42 communities need one another in order to make progress in all the spheres of life. Peace because only then can the youth maximise their potential,” he said.

The DPM likened the TNA to a doctor who serves without discrimination and reiterated the party would ensure free and fair nominations during the forthcoming General Election.

He praised Sakuda as a preacher who will keep the peace that Kajiado North is known for.

Kores condemned Cabinet Minister William Ntimama for calling him and other Maasai leaders in TNA “traitors of the maasai.”

He accused Ntimama of being insincere and using double standards. He challenged Ntimama to “abandon Raila Odinga and support Prof James ole Kiyiapi” if the community interests were so dear to him as he suggested. Kyiapi from Narok is vying for the presidency.

Bigger dream

Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential bid suffered a blow, when the Grand National Union (GNU) party said it will not merge with any other political party.

GNU Party leader Mr Mwangi Kiunjuri said the party has a bigger dream and objectives to lead Kenya to a bright political future.

An angry Kiunjuri told The Standard on phone:”We are not grasshoppers to be frightened by anyone” (hinting at a parable of grasshoppers that flee footsteps).

Kiunjuri pointed that GNU had not attended the reported negotiation meeting with other political parties, where The National Alliance (TNA) presidential aspirant, Uhuru, is alleged to have skipped.