Anti-Raila grouping plots survival plan

By Stephen Makabila

The so-called G-7 political alliance is weighing its options in its quest for power next year.

A technical committee under chairmanship of rebel ODM Vice-Chairman, Aden Dualle, has been formed while plans are on for the establishment of an elders’ caucus to help hold the alliance.

"I am not interested in the presidency and my mission is to work behind the scenes and ensure the alliance holds," said Dualle, MP for Dujis.

The G-7 political alliance brings together Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Tourism Minister Najib Balala, Eldoret North MP William Ruto and Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

Dualle told The Standard On Sunday that reports indicating Uhuru and Ruto might go separate ways race could be part of the alliance’s strategy.

Two options

Ruto had been quoted saying he was considering going for the presidency on his own, instead of through an alliance with Uhuru, an idea not popular with many.

"We have two options. First is to agree on three positions of president, deputy president and majority leader in Parliament and form a pre-election coalition. Second is each of the key leaders to run for president independently, then the alliance will back whoever qualifies for the run-off because we are sure there will be no clear winner in round one," said Dualle, who is the alliance’s point man in North-Eastern.

The G-7 alliance aims at negating Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s chances of succeeding President Kibaki in the General Election due next year.

The G-7 alliance, Dualle says, allows its key leaders to strengthen their individual political parties.

"Any strong alliance can only be made up of strong political parties and we have no problem with our members strengthening their bases," added Dualle.

While Ruto has been associated with the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Kalonzo is the leader of ODM-Kenya; Uhuru is still Kanu chairman but heavily associated with PNU while Wamalwa has indicated he would contest the presidency on new Ford-Kenya ticket.

Political alliance

Wamalwa said efforts were being made to sustain the G-7 alliance despite challenges, among them propaganda by rivals.

"There is no political alliance that has no challenges. We have faith we are going to remain together because we are driven by common interests," added Wamalwa.

It also emerged the alliance had planned several rallies immediately after the June 8 Budget. The first destination is the historical Kaptaket Grounds in Kericho. "After Kapkatet, we will have follow-up rallies in Kisumu, Eldoret, Mombasa and Garissa. All the G7 leaders will attend the rallies to demonstrate we are still united," said Dualle.

While speaking at a rally in Nyeri last month in company of Uhuru and other MPs, Kalonzo had underscored the importance of unity.

"We need to remain united until the end. There is no need for Kalonzo to be the President without agreeing with my brothers. The country is much more important than an individual," the Vice-President said.

Although Ruto, Wamalwa and Balala did not attend the rally at Nyeri’s Ruring’u Stadium, the more than 25 MPs present said the alliance consisted of a winning formula. Dualle said most MPs and leaders from northern Kenya support the alliance.

"Our differences as rebel ODM MPs with the PM is ideological and the question of whether at one time we can work together would depend on the level of ideological divide," added Dualle.