G7 alliance leaders defend meetings

By VINCENT BARTOO and OSINDE OBARE

Leaders of the so-called G-7 alliance insist that their agenda is to restore peace contrary to claims that they are promoting tribal groupings.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto declared that they would continue with the Gema and Kamatusa meetings.

"If these meetings divide the nation, then we are ready to be arrested," said Uhuru.

G7 members from left William Ruto, Eugene Wamalwa and Uhuru Kenyatta are entertained by Isukuti band during the homecoming of Wamalwa following his appointment as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs at Kitale showground, on Sunday. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

They spoke on Sunday at the Kitale ASK showground during Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister Eugene Wamalwa’s homecoming ceremony.

MPs from Western Province skipped the event save for Nominated MP Musakari Kombo. Westlands MP Fred Gumo, a key ally of Prime Minister Raila Odinga, attended the party.

ICC CASES

Gumo also caused a stir when, he said the cases facing Uhuru and Ruto should be withdrawn from the International Criminal Court.

The rally also told Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi that should he decamp and join them, he should be ready to work under Eugene. "We want to make it clear to him that should he decide to work with us, he must be ready to work under Eugene," said Metropolitan minister Jamleck Kamau.

The more than 10 MPs who attended the meeting also called for the arrest of Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo over allegations that there was a plot to kill the PM. They also called for prosecution of Gitobu Imanyara accusing him of propagating malice aimed at inciting Kenyans.

The leaders expressed their commitment to reconcile warring communities in Rift Valley and accused those opposed to their agenda.

They said they would continue to advocate for peace among Kenyans and urged Kenyans to support their efforts arguing that it was only way to bring development in the region.

Uhuru accused some leaders of promoting hatred and propagating malice targeting their perceived competitors.

"Hatred cannot lead the country to prosperity and our concern is to eliminate tribalism and bring Kenyans together," said Uhuru.

They defended the Gema, Kamatusa meetings arguing that there was no provision in the new constitution barring communities from meeting to deliberate issues affecting them. "It is not a crime to sit and discuss what is affecting our communities."