Kenya: A faction led by former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi has reached out to rivals to end leadership wrangles in the United Democratic Forum (UDF).

Mudavadi's team said it is ready for compromise in the spirit of healing and reconciliation that would see the party remain united ahead of the 2017 polls.

UDF Secretary General Justus Kizito insisted that the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, ruling on the case challenging the ouster of nominated MP Osman Hassan as chairman and his team, only reinstated the status quo of the National Executive Council but did not overturn the resolution arrived at by the National Delegates Council.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Nominated Senator Martha Wangari were also suspended from the party over their perceived links with Coalition for Reforms and Democracy.

Reconciliation efforts

According to Kizito, there is already a seven-member committee drawn from the two factions of UDF that will spearhead reconciliation among party members.

"Hassan's group stand expelled but in the spirit of healing and reconciliation, we want to accommodate everyone that's why a reconciliation committee has been formed and we expect to unveil them next week," said Kizito.

He further said the group will be mandated to bring the party members together and even those perceived to have rebelled against the party and its leadership, with a view to forming a formidable political party in readiness to face off opponents in 2017.

The group will also be charged with ensuring that the party re-brands from UDF to Amani National Coalition.

The Mudavadi-led party hinted at rolling up its sleeves to avoid another split now that they have buried the hatchet and are focused to form the next government or be part of the team that forms the next government.

The UDF official was emphatic that talks have been ongoing between them and other political parties and will be ready to work with whoever is free to welcome them as partners.

COALITION TALKS

In an apparent declaration that the pact between them and Jubilee was sour, Kizito said talks with other parties other than parties forming Jubilee will eventually bear fruit. "We are getting ready to face off with others in 2017 and we cannot afford not to talk and work with others who have shown us that they have welcomed us as partners," said Kizito.