Ruto confirms ongoing alliance talks with TNA

Eldoret North MP William Ruto with Nakuru MP Lee Kinyanjui (right) [Photo: Boniface Thuku/Standard]

By VINCENT MABATUK

United Republican Party presidential candidate William Ruto has publicly confirmed that he is talking with TNA’s Uhuru Kenyatta over possible coalition arrangement ahead of the elections.

Addressing several rallies in Nakuru County, Mr Ruto disclosed that the talks are aimed at the two working together so that they can win the elections.

Speaking in Subukia Constituency, the MP said it was indeed true that he met Uhuru and more talks will follow as they chart the way forward.

Accompanied by six MPs, Ruto said he has informed Uhuru that there is need for the two to move into the election as one team in order to secure victory.

“I have told the son of Jomo that it is important we walk together this time round,” Ruto said.

Subukia MP Nelson Gaichuhie, who hosted him, said TNA was ready to work with Ruto’s party, a message that was also shared by Roads Assistant minister and Nakuru town MP Lee Kinyanjui.

According to the Eldoret North MP, electing either Uhuru or he would make no difference as the greatest challenge is to ensure Kenyan interests are catered for.

On whether Ruto and Uhuru should contest for presidency or not, Ruto said that mandate should be left to Kenyans. “Those to decide on Kenyan leadership are Kenyan people and not ICC. (Kofi) Annan and his team should concentrate on other issue because Kenyans have resolved to live in peace,” he reiterated.

Maintaining that he was ready to form the next Government, Ruto said he has enough political friends across the country and urged those still in Kanu and National Vision Party to join URP, saying the two have nowhere to go as far as next elections are concerned.

Horse race

Addressing political rallies at Wei farm, Subukia town and Kabasi, Ruto said Kenyans have agreed to go into the election as one team and nobody has the right to divide them as witnessed in the past. “Maneno ya vitendawili na story ya punda and farasi zimeisha (it’s no longer about riddles or a horse race). Kenya must work together before and after the General Election,” insisted Ruto.

Mr Gaichuhie and Mr Kinyanjui said they encouraged the talks between TNA and URP.

On his part, Communications minister Samuel Poghisio maintained that Kenyans need unifying leaders.

Gaichuhie said Kenyan courts should not be the stumbling block to the two presidential candidates.

Others who accompanied Ruto were Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot, Luka Kigen (Rongai), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South), Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu), Baringo County Governor aspirant Kiprono Chelugui and former Nakuru Mayor John Kitilit.

Ruto speaking earlier at AIC Subukia told Kenyans to be ready to accept whoever will be announced the winner between Uhuru and him.