By Antony Gitonga

United Democratic Movement (UDM) party is holding talks to sponsor Agriculture Minister William Ruto to vie for the presidency in 2012 General Election.

UDM top brass hinted the likelihood of Mr Ruto ditching ODM to vie for the top seat.

According to party officials, it was a matter of time before Ruto, who has fallen out with ODM leadership, decamped from the orange party.

UDM Secretary-General Martin ole Kamwaro said high-level talks were underway, adding the move would soon be announced.

He added some ODM MPs from Rift Valley were also reconsidering their membership in ODM.

"It is clear there is no democracy in ODM and we welcome disgruntled members to joins us," he said.

Mr Kamwaro, who was accompanied by party national treasurer Yusuf Abdi, was addressing residents of Duka Moja in Narok at the weekend.

During the rally, UDM announced it was opposed to imperial powers vested in the presidency.

"We want a constitution that gives power to institutions, recognises the minority and addresses historical injustices," said Kamwaro.

Mr Abdi hit out at those advocating for the one-man-one-vote principle in boundaries review debate.

"The boundaries review commission should look not only at population, but also geographical features and size of constituencies," he said.

Kamwaro’s sentiments come barely a day after civic leaders in Rift Valley declared war on those opposed to Ruto’s quest for presidency.