Musalia reaches out to Kenneth and Tuju

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PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | FILE Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi on the campaign trail.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By NATION REPORTER
Posted  Tuesday, December 4  2012 at  00:30

IN SUMMARY

• On Sunday, Mr Mudavadi and Mr Kenneth attended a service at Ruthigiti PCEA Church in Kiambu, where they alluded to a new alliance
• It was also understood that Mr Mudavadi was talking to Kanu leaders in a bid to bring on board the country’s party of independence to his coalition

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A third force in the presidential race is expected to be announced on Tuesday as State House hopefuls race to beat the deadline of signing pre-election coalitions.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi (United Democratic Forum), Planning assistant minister Peter Kenneth (Kenya National Congress) and former minister Raphael Tuju (Party of Action) were on Monday in talks over a coalition deal. (Read: Mudavadi steps up bid to create ‘third force’)

Although each of them was cagey about the membership of the alliance, they were united in stating they favoured a coalition which had a national appeal.

National outlook

“We will announce ours (coalition) tomorrow (Tuesday). I cannot say anything beyond that,” Mr Mudavadi said without elaborating.

He went on: “We, in UDF, prefer a different approach, which is a more national outlook and we are open to coalitions with other parties.”

Mr Kenneth said a series of meetings had been lined up last night in an effort by the presidential aspirants to agree on pre-election deals. He said he has talks with Mr Tuju and other leaders, but added that he was not in a hurry to form coalitions.

“We have scheduled a series of meetings tonight (last night). We have been talking with Raphael and other leaders as part of intentions to form a coalition,” he said after flying back to the city from Chepalungu constituency where he received a number of defectors.

Best for the country

On Sunday, Mr Mudavadi and Mr Kenneth attended a service at Ruthigiti PCEA Church in Kiambu, where they alluded to a new alliance.

“I have been talking to Mr Tuju and now you have seen me with Mr Mudavadi. We want an alliance which is best for the country and not one based on individuals and tribes,” he said.

It was also understood that Mr Mudavadi was talking to Kanu leaders in a bid to bring on board the country’s party of independence to his coalition.

Kanu secretary-general Nick Salat said the two had a meeting last night, but refused to disclose the identity of the leaders holding the talks.

A deal may be announced on Tuesday.