ODM party leader Raila Odinga (right) confers with members William Ole Ntimama (centre) and Franklin Bett (left) during a rally at Angata Barikoi in Narok County December 16, 2012. Mr Bett said he would not contest any seat in the next polls December 18, 2012
By CAROLINE WAFULA
Posted Tuesday, December 18 2012 at 13:11
Posted Tuesday, December 18 2012 at 13:11
Roads minister Franklin Bett has quit elective politics, for now.
Mr Bett, the Bureti MP, said he would not seek any position during the March 4, 2013 General Election.
"Do not mistake this for a retreat or surrender. It is a strategic move," he said during a news conference in Nairobi Tuesday.
Mr Bett, however, dispelled talks he was defecting to the United Republic Party (URP) saying he was firmly in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The William Ruto- led URP is the party of choice in the Rift Valley.
"My membership in ODM is neither negotiable nor under review in the foreseeable future," he said.
The Bureti MP said he will instead concentrate his energies towards campaigning for ODM in the vast region.
"Nothing can prove this more (sticking with ODM) than the energy I will bring to ODM right from the grassroots to the national level."
Mr Bett, who was accompanied by his four children, promised to check URP's wave in the Rift Valley.
"I will ensure ODM has a strong presence in the Rift Valley," he said.
"I take to the trenches to campaign for ODM a contented man. My records speaks for itself," he stated but acknowledged that his decision would disappoint his constituents.
The minister said he would "not be away for long" and had take "a step back to sharpen my axe".
Mr Bett said he was confident that the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) would win the next General Election.
"I am not worried as long as my conscience is clear, it is clear as daylight," he said.
Mr Bett said he would vie for the presidency in 2017.
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