by Alex Ndegwa and Boniface Gikandi

As power rivalry between Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth rages, some central Kenya MPs are calling for a ceasefire.

They say the battle for regional supremacy could not have come at a worse time when the region is seeking to forge a common position on the Harmonised Draft Constitution.

The ‘non-aligned’ MPs fear the contest between the two political camps, which burst into the open at two successive public meetings in Gatanga and Maragwa, could also weaken the region’s clout.

Central Kenya Parliamentary Group chairman Ephraim Maina told The Standard on Saturday voters would "judge us harshly if we fail to come together in the interest of our community."

"Any leader worth his salt would cast aside personal ambitions for the greater good. Time is not ripe to discuss succession politics. In any case, Central may not even field a candidate if it finds that inappropriate," said the Mathira MP.

Limuru MP Peter Mwathi said the regional infighting is "extremely premature" and focus should be on the constitution, not in "small kitchen fights."

"It is regrettable that people are engaging in small kitchen fights. Whoever wants a fight should hold their horses. A time for that will come. Our biggest fight now is on the constitution and boundaries," Mwathi said.

Maina said leaders should differentiate between personal ambitions linked to 2012 General Election and the need "for us to stick together to further our regional interests".

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau said he had deliberately kept off the feuds and urged central Kenya MPs to stop divisive succession politics.

For some time, the rift between Uhuru and Kenneth has simmered but it boiled over in public a fortnight ago during a fundraising at the Gatanga Catholic Parish, Kenneth’s backyard.

While Uhuru reportedly organised the function without the area MP’s knowledge, the Gatanga MP presided over it after the Finance minister skipped the function.

Comments Kenneth uttered at the function bespoke the chasm between the two politicians.

"I’m surprised another leader would organise an event in my constituency without my blessings. I will never block anybody from visiting my constituency, but let those leaders open up their constituencies first to other leaders," he said.

Hinting at the power struggle, the MP added: "Leadership is not meant to come from a particular place. Let Kenyans decide for themselves whom to support irrespective of his or her origin. Kenya needs a fresh start and there are so many young people ready to offer leadership."

And last week, MPs Elias Mbau (Maragua) and Muturi Mwangi (Kiharu) — believed to back Kenneth — clashed with their colleagues George Thuo (Juja) and Ferdinard Waititu (Embakasi) — said to be in the Uhuru camp — at the PCEA church in Murang’a over which presidential candidate to support.

A war of words erupted with the host Mwangi accusing Thuo, who represented Uhuru at the fundraising, of hijacking the event.

Mwangi and Mbau did not take it kindly when their colleagues started drumming up support for Uhuru. They were also not amused by a tongue lashing that Murang’a leaders were ignorant of interests of the larger community.

Yesterday, Maina said: "The events in Murang’a are regrettable and I condemn them".

Mwathi, who was out of the country at the time, said he had spoken to Mbau about the incident and "he is not amused."

Mwathi added: "There is concerted efforts to fight sitting MPs who do not support this group and one of our colleagues is on record complaining as much."

Mbau alleged Uhuru had failed the leadership test, citing his failure to convene a meeting with central Kenya MPs.

"It is regrettable that Uhuru despite being the high ranking politician in Central has failed to crisscross the region as Prime Minister Raila Odinga does in Nyanza and Agriculture Minister William Ruto does in his Rift Valley," said Mbau.

He added: "Leaders from Murang’a, especially the lawmakers, have resolved to remain united and stand by their people. They will not be manipulated by those determined to retain their political position."

Murang’a region has seven constituencies namely, Kiharu, Mathioya, Kangema, Maragua, Kigumo, Kandara and Gatanga.

But Waititu added another twist to the raging confrontation claiming those fighting the deputy Prime Minister were being sponsored by ODM to split Central Province votes.

"We come from various political backgrounds and that’s why leaders are pulling in different directions. But that will not stop Uhuru from garnering enormous support from the region," said Waititu.

Even though neither Uhuru nor Kenneth has spoken openly about the power tussle fuelled by their interest for the top seat, a quiet battle for clout is brewing between them.