Pomp and grandeur at TNA party launch

By Vitalis Kimutai and Moses Njagih

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled his much-publicised political vehicle, The National Alliance (TNA), at an elaborate and expensively assembled launch.

Uhuru marshalled thousands of his supporters from across the country to attend the function at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).

The G7 alliance members including Constitutional Affairs Minister Eugene Wamalwa and Eldoret North MP William Ruto led more than 70 MPs who attended the function.

Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Mr Abdi Ramadhan, also attended the event alongside Cabinet Ministers Yusuf Haji, Jamleck Kamau, Dr Naomi Shaaban, Samuel Poghisio, Professor Sam Ongeri, Dr Mohammed Kuti and Wamalwa among others.

stir

Ruto caused a stir and temporarily disrupted the event when he strode in shortly before the speeches commenced in the company of MPs Charles Keter, Aden Duale and Muhamud Mohamed to ululations from the crowd.

Mr Onyango Oloo, the Secretary General and Mr Johnson Sakaja gave  speeches detailing the ideals of TNA.

Sakaja announced that TNA officials would not be contesting elective posts in the General Election.

“A statement of faith has gone out across the country and beyond. We vow to make Kenya a better country for current and future generations to live in and for the economy to thrive,” said Sakaja.

He said the party would champion the rights of people of all class in the society.

“A torch has been passed to a new generation that is proud of their cultural heritage, ready and willing to pay the price, carry the burden to ensure peaceful country,” he said.