FORMER cabinet minister Raphael Tuju launched his presidential bid yesterday. Tuju avoided to state whether he was out to cutback PM Raila Odinga’s support in Nyanza province but vowed to deal with tribalism. “I have been walking around the countryside and people want jobs and opportunities. I have never been asked about my relationship with the PM,” Tuju said. He added that his relationship with Raila has always been discussed by the media but not himself.
Tuju’s candidature has been viewed as a scheme by PNU to distract Raila’s candidature for the presidency. He downplayed the PNU link and pledged to give answers to some of the questions in subsequent media interviews if invited. Yesterday, Tuju said that his candidature will address issues like unemployment and tribalism that have mainly affected the growth of the country. He said he will not enter into any tribal alliances because his tribe is Kenyan.
Tuju said: “I am aware that several other Kenyan political leaders have presented their candidatures but I also recognize that our beloved country is gripped by tribal power-politics.” "Mine is about building a national alliance of peace loving, honest and hardworking Kenyans in every corner of this country," Tuju said.
He said hiding behind tribalism does not help because it has caused social and political instability to our jobless and desperate young people. "This is the time to bring the country together, tone down the politics of hate so as we carry everyone along," he said.
The launch for his presidential bid at Laico Regency in Nairobi was done without much fanfare. Tuju simply walked in accompanied by his wife and delivered his speech to an audience of ordinary citizens. There were no big political shots. Tuju who has been working as President Kibaki’s advisor on ethnic and media relations, said the President gracefully accepted his resignation two days ago.
My stepping aside will allow me to reach to the people without any conflict of interest. He said it will not take long for him to name his running mate. He also said that he is in talks with two political parties which he will use for his presidential ticket. “The choice of the party would be one that will not polarize the country, because I believe in our tribe collectively as Kenyan,” Tuju said.
PM Raila Odinga is considered as a man to beat in the presidential race in next year’s general elections. Deputy prime ministers Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi are also candidates. Other presidential candidates who have expressed interest include William Ruto, VP Kalonzo Musyoka, George Saitoti, Eugene Wamalwa, Moses Wetang’ula, Peter Kenneth, Mutava Musyimi, Paul Muite and Martha Karua.
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