By Karanja Njoroge
Eldoret North MP William Ruto has vowed that United Republican Party (URP) would demand its share of slots in East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Ruto said should ODM fail to consult former party members on the nomination to EALA, MPs would shoot down the list when it is presented in Parliament.
“We don’t want controversy over this issue but if ODM is not willing to consult us, then we will meet on the floor of the house,” Ruto said on Sunday in Nakuru.
Addressing a rally at Mauche Trading Centre in Njoro, the URP presidential candidate said having participated in the formation of ODM and popularising it across the country, they should be consulted on EALA nominations.
minister’s promise
Ruto led more than ten MPs in demanding that Lands minister James Orengo remove a caveat imposed on land within Mauche area and other parts bordering Mau Forest.
He said locals could not access credit from financial institutions due to the caveat, which the minister had promised to lift early this year.
“The land was given to residents legally by Government and we are wondering why the caveat has not been removed despite the minister’s promise,” Ruto added.
Earlier, while addressing party officials from Nakuru County, the presidential aspirant said URP would conduct free and fair nominations.
All aspirants including sitting MPs would have to be nominated through a democratic process. There will be no direct nomination.
“Those seeking election under a URP ticket will have to go through elections,” he added. He said he was in the presidential race and urged party supporters to back him for the top seat.
Ruto defended Gema and Kamatusa meetings saying they were aimed at nurturing peace between different communities.
He termed those predicting violence during this year’s elections as prophets of doom.
regulate opinion polls
“Those predicting chaos are prophets of doom. We are going to have peaceful elections,” he added.
At a rally in Afraha Stadium, Ruto who was accompanied by MPs Moses Lessonet, Benjamin Langat, Charles Keter, Chacha Ganya, Mohamud Ali, Lukas Chepkitony, Sammy Mwaita and others criticised Prime Minister Raila Odinga over his opposition to a move to regulate opinion polls.
He said the polls should be streamlined to ensure Kenyans are not taken for a ride.
“Just like any other business or institution, we want those carrying out opinion polls to be regulated so that people do not take Kenyans for a ride,” Ruto said.
He said those who rely on opinion polls to gauge their popularity would be in for a rude shock during the elections.
coming polls
The Eldoret North MP urged Rift Valley residents to live peacefully.
He noted that G7 alliance would work together to ensure they clinch power. He said parties would have no option but to join hands if they are to make an impact in coming polls.
The presidential aspirant added that they have planned a series of rallies with Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta in Rift Valley to promote peace.
Ruto dismissed claims of a political deal between him and Raila saying he would be on the ballot paper.
Dujis MP Adan Dualle said URP is based on strong family values and is opposed to legalisation of gay and lesbianism.
Dualle said presidential elections would be a three-horse race with Ruto as one of the main candidates.
“The battle for the presidency will be a three-horse race and Ruto is going to be one of them. We are a serious party and our competitors should watch out,” Dualle said.
change economy
The MP said they would shoot down names of nominees to EALA.
“We are telling the PM that the names he sent to Parliament will never see the light of the day if there are no consultation,” he added.
The URP leaders said the party is fundamentally different from others and has policies that would change economy.
“URP policies will ensure that the economy grows by about ten per cent by pursuing measures aimed at empowering the youth and eradicating poverty,” Ruto said.
During the rally, Naivasha MP John Mututho, who is aspiring to be the Governor of Nakuru County was forced to cut short his speech after a section of the crowd heckled him.
When the MP rose to address the gathering, the crowd chanted msaliti (traitor). Molo MP Joseph Kiuna urged Uhuru and Ruto to unite.
shun leaders
“We are urging you and Uhuru to sit down and give us one presidential candidate so that we can vote for him,” Kiuna added
Speakers at the rallies emphasised on the need for communities in the region to unite.
“We are witnessing the dawn of a new era. The conflict which has mainly been between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities but that now is a thing of the past,” said former Nakuru town MP David Manyara.
Ruto urged Kenyans to scrutinise development record of various candidates vying for presidency.
“You should shun leaders whose trademark is empty rhetoric and embrace those who are development minded. These are the people whoo will develop the counrty,” Ruto urged.
