By Kipchumba Some

Seven years after his presidential ambitions were dealt a severe blow by former President Moi’s remark that he was not cut out for the job, Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has embarked on a mission to prove otherwise.

The former Vice-President this week met PNU officials from Central, South and North Rift regions in Naivasha for what a confidant, Peter ole Sepalang, says is part of a strategy to project the minister to the fore ahead of 2012 General Election.

"It was not an isolated event but part of the larger design," said Sepalang.

"It is important that he moves swiftly not only to make his presidential ambition known but also consolidate his support," he added.

The Monday meeting came hot on the heels of a prayer for leaders of the Maasai community in Suswa and Kajiado Central, last week. Eight MPs present during the meeting assured him of their support should he gun for the presidency.

During the meeting, Saitoti’s longtime political nemesis John Keen, who is a former Kajiado North MP, said he would consider laying aside his differences with the minister to support his bid should he seek the top seat.

"However, I have not endorsed him as it has been reported. I only told him that I would only consider doing so if he runs for president and after considering other political factors at play," Keen told The Standard on Sunday.

Saitoti, who is also the PNU chairman, joins Gichugu MP Martha Karua and Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli who have declared their interests in 2012.

Apart from PM Raila Odinga, Saitoti is perhaps the only other high-profile politician in Parliament who has been close to power.

While recognising that Saitoti is one of the most experienced politicians today, Keen says the Kajiado North MP is hampered by a number of ‘issues’ he ought to address urgently.

"Foremost, it is important for him to identify himself either as a Maasai or Kikuyu. He simply cannot have the best of both worlds as he is trying to do. He will wear himself out trying to please both sides," he said.

Saitoti apparently lacks a firm political base to leverage his ambitions the way Raila does in Nyanza, Kalonzo in Eastern or Ruto in Rift Valley.

He is perceived to be in competition with Uhuru to inherit Central Province from Kibaki. However, political observers say Saitoti has failed to outdo Uhuru. The latter seems to have cemented his position as Kibaki’s heir apparent in Central after his spirited defence of the President’s contested 2007 victory.

"Saitoti is yet to earn our support because, so far, he has not shown any serious attempts to convince us that he really needs it," said an MP from Central who requested anonymity since he is also a senior PNU official. "Maybe he has his interests elsewhere."

The Mungiki menace in Central, noted the legislator, is also not doing Saitoti any good among the region’s voters. The movement is said to have stepped up its illegal activities during Saitoti’s watch after a reprieve brought about by the strong-arm tactics by Environment Minister John Michuki while he was in charge of Internal Security.

"Despite the condemnation his tactics drew, Michuki scattered the movement. But it seems the movement has been emboldened during Saitoti’s time and everyone is now blaming him for not doing enough to crush it," noted the MP

Keen advised Saitoti to make alliances with other influential regional leaders to broaden his support base. "He must abandon the lone-ranger tactic and be a team player. That is the only way to win an election," he said.

Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama, who has in the past criticised Moi for betraying Saitoti in favour of Uhuru, declined to comment on whether he would support the minister.

"Time is not right to talk about such issues. It is too early to play politics of 2012 since everything can change in between. As for Saitoti’s chances, I rather not say much about that for now," he said.

When asked the same question, Kajiado Central MP Joseph Nkaiserry said he would make his choice after considering the options provided by the new constitution, but added he was not ready to support "recycled material."

"I am in ODM right now and therefore my choice, as of now, is my party chairman Raila. But nothing is permanent. I will make my decision after I assess the kind of power structure the new constitution offers".

Widely recognised as one of the wealthiest politicians, Saitoti has been accused by some observers of lacking personal drive with regard to his political ambitions.

"He needs to step out of the shadows of the political leaders who have shaped his career and be his own man," said Keen.

Despite the criticism, others reckon Saitoti cannot be ruled out yet. Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny says, of those who have declared presidential ambitions, Saitoti stands the best chance.

"He is an old hand in Kenyan politics and has perfected the art of political survival. His strength lies in his ability to adapt to any political environment," he says.