By Standard Team
Mixed reactions greeted Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s shift from Kanu to The National Alliance (TNA).
Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat said Uhuru should set a good example by resigning from the party and seeking fresh mandate from the electorate. “We wish Uhuru well in his new political journey, but he should be reminded that it is important that he moves on fully refreshed by seeking fresh mandate from the people instead of hiding in Kanu while championing the ideals of another party,” he said.
Salat added: “Uhuru’s continued stay in Kanu is a clear indication of the confusion that has bedeviled his career for the past few years.”
Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi and Mr Kizito Temba, the Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) secretary general welcomed the move by Uhuru.
Mr Murungi said this would allow the DPM to officially craft coalitions with other leaders ahead of the General Election.
Arrangement
Murungi, who is in Istanbul, Turkey, for the World Political Forum, told The Standard on telephone that he was optimistic the main presidential contenders would hammer out a working arrangement. He said the Alliance Party of Kenya still remains focused on bringing together like-minded presidential aspirants.
Eldoret North MP William Ruto also welcomed the launch saying the move would bring more competition in to the presidential race.
“I welcome the launch of TNA because the move is meant to bring healthy competition amongst all the presidential contestants,” said Ruto.
He said the G7 is set to remain united and focused in order to ensure it wins the General Election with a convincing majority after forming a political alliance. Ruto said members of the G7 have no plans of dissolving their individual parties.
He was speaking at Kirua market in Buuri District of Meru County during a campaign tour.
—Report by Vitalis Kimutai, Steve Mkawale and John Majau
