Kanu won't join other parties, to re-brand ahead of 2017

Kanu has resolved not to merge with any other political party ahead of the 2017 elections.

After lengthy deliberations by its National Executive Council (NEC) at a two-day retreat in Baringo, Kanu resolved to retain its identity as a distinct political entity “with its mission and vision as enshrined in its constitution and as envisioned by the founders”.

However, party leaders, led by its national chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, said the party would endeavour to seek constructive partnership as long as its short and long-term political interests are safeguarded.

“We will continue to seek constructive partnerships as long as our strategic political interests in the short and long term are safeguarded,” he said.

Gideon said the independence and distinctness of Kanu must remain paramount, saying any action that would diminish the stature of the party should be resisted by all members.

Recruitment drive

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“Kanu will continue supporting the Government as per our post-election memorandum of understanding. However, it will not shy away from pointing out weaknesses in certain dockets and institutions of Government such as security and education sectors,” read part of the five-page resolutions passed by the more than 100 delegates.

The party resolved to fill up vacant positions in the national executive council and its branches countrywide with the most active and loyal members pending party elections.

The party resolved to commence immediate membership recruitment drives across the country to target the youth and women. The NEC members also agreed that the party, which ruled Kenya for 39 years, should embark on a re-branding exercise that will entail revamping and revitalising its existing branch offices across the country.

They also resolved to take urgent legal action to protect Kanu’s property across the country and reclaim those that have fallen into the wrong hands or are under threat from grabbers.

Addressing the delegates at Lake Bogoria SPA Resort yesterday, Gideon said a team of lawyers had been assembled to pursue any property illegally taken away from the party.

Others at the retreat were Kanu vice chairman and Kuria East MP Shadrack Manga, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Mogotio MP Hellen Sambili, Nominated Senator Ziphorah Kitony, MCAs and other party leaders.

Gideon said Kanu will hold its national delegates conference at Kasarani in Nairobi in December and assured members that corrupt people have no home in the party.

The Baringo senator stressed the need to strengthen the party by rebuilding its grassroots structures and  support base in order to reclaim its position as Kenya’s independence party.

He pledged to contribute Sh20 million towards the re-branding and asked other elected leaders to start contributing to the party monthly to assist the process.

Gideon told the delegates of the need for the party to play an active role in expanding the democratic space and promoting unity in the country.

“I must point out once more that our history and record as a party speaks for itself when it comes to matters of national unity and democracy,” he said.

Gideon said falling prices of farm produce has had a negative impact on farmers across the country, saying it is a critical matter that affects the very livelihood of Kenyans.

Rampant insecurity

“My appeal to the government is for it to reduce or stop the importation of similar produce that give unfair competition to our farmers. Our country must respect economic treaties existing between it and the regional and international economic blocs, but where the very livelihood of people is affected, urgent steps must be taken to protect our people,” he said.

The senator said that although the cost of fuel and electricity had dropped drastically, its ripple effect is yet to be felt.

The Kanu chairman said the Government needs to step in to ensure ordinary citizens enjoy the benefits of reduced electricity and fuel through proportionate reduction of prices of consumer commodities like maize flour and sugar.

The delegates said rampant insecurity in some parts of the country is of great concern to the party and resolved that the elected leaders should spearhead peace efforts in their regions.