Regions mull over presidential primaries

By Stephen Makabila

senior writer

The idea of holding ‘regional presidential primaries’ may be new in Kenya, but is slowly gaining ground.

This is due to the soaring number of politicians eyeing State House in the 2012 General Election.

The idea was first mooted in Western Province, which has more than seven MPs with presidential ambitions.

This week, the same talk started in central Kenya, a region seemingly divided among three front-runners in the race, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Gichugu MP Martha Karua, and Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth.

However, University of Nairobi political scientist Adams Oloo says the idea is not practical.

"First, most of these politicians are from different political parties and each party has its own way of conducting presidential nominations. Going regional means they abandon their parties, which I do not think will happen," says Dr Oloo.

He says those making such calls are "politically mischievous" and aim to boost their rating in their regions.

In Western, Assistant Minister Wakoli Bifwoli and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who have presidential ambitions, were the first to come up with the idea. Others eyeing the presidency in Western include Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale, Sirisia MP Moses Wetang’ula, and Nambale MP Chris Okemo.

In September, Wamalwa, Okemo, Jirongo and Wakoli announced they had formed an alliance in their quest for president. They asked other leaders with presidential ambitions from the region to join them.

Remain united

They said Mudavadi and Wetangula should be part of their team to avoid dividing the region’s votes.

Jirongo said as leaders, they would seek support from other regions. "Western cannot make it on its own. This is why we need the support of other regions," he added.

Okemo said he was sure Western would get support as long as its leaders remain united.

Luhya Council of Elders Chairman Patrick Wangamati says they are ready to back any initiatives towards realising a compromise presidential candidate from the region.

In central Kenya, more than 700 delegates from the Gema Cultural Association met in Nakuru to deliberate on issues facing the communities, including the 2012 General Election.

There have been speculations the region may back Uhuru for the top seat, but there are others who feel all presidential hopefuls from the region, including Karua and Kenneth, should be subjected to a competitive nomination.

Uhuru is said to be favouring the idea to avoid the tag of being anointed.On Monday, he hosted more than 500 councillors at his home in Gatundu.

A month ago, the civic leaders from Kiambu and Murang’a counties in a meeting in Thika told Uhuru allies led by former Gatanga MP David Murathe that his style of leadership was wanting since he appeared inaccessible.

Local Government Assistant Minister Lewis Nguyai and Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni attended the meeting.

Last week, Maragua MP Elias Mbau urged leaders from the region to organise nominations for a flag bearer.

"For the region to be represented in the next Government the best option is to have all those with presidential ambitions put through a nomination for the public to decide," he said.

It remains to be seen whether Karua, who has maintained nothing can stop her presidential ambition, will buy such an idea.

Apart from Western and Central, other regions such as Nyanza and Rift Valley have their preferred candidates, with Nyanza rallying behind Prime Minister Raila Odinga while the Rift Valley is gravitating around suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto.