By Stephen Makabila
The burning question of who becomes the G-7 presidential candidate has the allianceâs leading lights cracking their heads as 2012 draws nearer.
The question emerged at the Monday Norfolk, Nairobi, meeting where Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka was put to task over his reported claims that the alliance does not exist.
One of those at the meeting said: "The VP was put to task on why he claimed the alliance does not exist but defended himself saying he was quoted out of context. He was told to be a team player and agree to a joint nomination to decide the allianceâs candidate."
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa, Eldoret North MP, William Ruto, and Trade Minister, Chirau Ali Mwakwere, attended the meeting.
Other members of the G-7 Alliance, including Dujis MP, Aden Duale, and former MP, Omingo Magara, did not attend.
"During the meeting, there was an impression by Uhuru, Ruto and Wamalwa that they were united, but the VP was not.
Itâs believed the leaders were supposed to have met on Wednesday (August 24), but the Cabinet reshuffle announced by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga prompted the change of schedule.
While Ruto and Duale were dropped from the Cabinet, Wamalwa who had been expected to secure a slot missed out on the changes.
The unity test in the alliance had been subject of debate and the PM, who is their main rival, recently challenged the group to name their torchbearer.
The Standard On Sunday established that Uhuru has argued that since he has been at the top in successive opinion polls, he should be the allianceâs flag bearer, but Kalonzo feels he is the senior-most and deserves approval.
Compromise candidate
