TNA, URP postpone joint rallies

By Vitalis Kimutai

NAIROBI; KENYA: The planned joint rallies between The National Alliance (TNA) and the United Republican Party (URP) have been postponed until the pre- election coalition agreement is signed.

Lawyers of the two parties yesterday started meetings to smoothen the rough edges in the agreement before the signing ceremony, which tentatively has been set for December 4.

Former Moi University law lecturer Kipchumba Murkomen is leading Ruto’s team of advocates while Innocent Muganda leads Uhuru’s team.

Signing of the deal has been delayed because of pending issues that are still being negotiated by the two parties even though Uhuru and Ruto have agreed to partner in the March 4 General Election.

“A joint rally that was to be held in Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium this weekend has been postponed to a later date. A new date will be announced soon,” Nakuru MP and Roads Assistant Minister Lee Kinyanjui, who was to be the host, said.

Some of these issues include the planned zoning of regions to allow TNA or URP to field candidates in areas it is perceived to have a strong following.

“The problems remain that if the regions are zoned, Wamalwa will be beaten by UDF in Western region, Ngilu is likely to perform dismally against Kalonzo in Eastern region,” said an MP who did not want to be named.

Zoning issue

There is also fear that the issue of zoning may reduce the parties to regional outfits instead of national ones.

Mosop MP David Koech, who doubles up as the Rift Valley Parliamentary group secretary, said there was no need to rush the TNA-URP coalition agreements because there were other parties and leaders willing to come on board.

Mosop MP David Koech who doubles up as the Rift Valley Parliamentary group secretary said that there was no need to rush the TNA-URP coalition agreements because there were other parties and leaders willing to come on board.

“What is the hurry for when we the deadline is still over a week away? We are not keen on locking out anyone and we should not forget that one day in politics is a very long time,” Koech stated.

After netting Assistant minister Beatrice Kones, Dr Joyce Laboso (Sotik) and Gideon Konchela (Kilgoris), URP is said to be planning to woo Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei, Roads Minister Franklin Bett and assistant Minister Joseph Nkaissery ahead of the signing of the coalition agreement.

Cheranganyi MP Joshua Kuttuny and Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi said Uhuru and Ruto should simply sign the deal and move on as time was not on their side.

“They should not waste more time listening to unnecessary and unrealistic demands from those who want to come on board as they will rock the board from within,” Kutuny said.

 Kutuny said the door should not be opened to opportunists who could create more confusion in the alliance which he said had the potential of delivering the Presidency on the first round.

Possibilities

Molo MP Joseph Kiuna said it was still possible for Kalonzo, Mudavadi, Uhuru and Ruto to work together ahead of the next polls.

“Let them show some humility, come together and reach a compromise as they are still young leaders,” he said.

Initially, the joint rallies were to be held from November 15, but were postponed as Uhuru and Ruto sought in vain to bring on board Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.