Saturday, November 3, 2012

Raila still keen to pursue political deal with Ruto


By Vincent Bartoo and Michael Waweru
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said he was still keen on working with Eldoret North MP William Ruto ahead of the March 4 General Election.
He was speaking as reports emerged that Ruto and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta had sealed a political pact.
Raila, who had earlier confirmed meeting Ruto to negotiate a similar deal, said he was still awaiting response from the URP leader.
“I told you the other day that we met and I threw the ball to his court. Now I am just waiting for him to throw the ball back then we can walk together again,” he said.
The PM said his aim to work together with Ruto was for the sake of the country’s unity.
“Anything I can do to unite Kenyans, I will do. That is why I am hoping we will unite and march towards the dream we never achieved in 2007,” he said.
Speaking in Nandi County on Friday, Raila reiterated that he was not responsible for the predicament facing Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I could not have taken him there. He was in my team. Those who took him there are known,” he said.
The PM further said those who bungled the 2007 General Election should be made to account for their deeds “instead of punishing people who had participated peacefully in the polls”.
Faulted plans
Raila also prevailed upon the Kalenjin community not to abandon him in his quest for president.
“I hear that you want to withdraw the name Arap Mibei (Kalenjin for him from the lake). Why, yet I’m one of you?” he posed.
The PM spoke at Kapsisywa in Emgwen constituency during the burial of Nandi elder, John Burgei Tuwei.
Cabinet Ministers Henry Kosgey, Sally Kosgei, area MP Elijah Lagat and Luo Council of Elders Chairman Willis Otondi were present.
Mr Lagat, who is an ally of Ruto, asked the PM to continue pursuing a political deal with the Eldoret North MP.
“Continue talking to Ruto. If you reunite, it would be good for all of us. You are an elder and I know things would turn out well,” he said.
However, Dr Kosgei faulted plans by Ruto to forge an alliance with Uhuru saying there were no convincing reasons the Kalenjin should support such an alliance.
“I’m one of those who were sacked when those people we are told to support came into power,” she said. She also questioned what Uhuru had done for the Kalenjin despite the community supporting him in the 2002 General Election.



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