Saitoti bid to become fourth president gains momentum

By Isaac Ongiri

Pundits have counted him out and his name rarely features every time the coming General Election is mentioned yet Internal Security Minister George Saitoti insists his bid to become Kenya’s fourth President is on course and real.

His intensified political activities have projected a man out to prove a point and ready to battle for his space in the Kibaki succession after being locked out of the race to succeed Moi 10 years ago.

Inside Kibaki’s government, Saitoti is known to wield unequalled power and has risen to become one of the President’s most trusted allies.

When he was involved in a minor altercation with Kibaki’s wife, Lucy, over the Sachangwan issue, the President was quick to set the record straight, announcing publicly he had confidence in the minister.

Saitoti’s presidential ambitions appear to have been energised by the changing political scenario engineered by the decision of the International Criminals Court now threatening to put off steam from Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William Ruto.

With a possibility of The Hague suspects being forced out of the race, people are scheming for the big political betting in the Kibaki succession – where will your money be?

His supporters however hope the scattering flock from the likely disillusioned political camps in the Rift Valley and Central provinces will find shelter in his candidature.

Speaking to The Standard On Sunday, Saitoti said it is only a matter of time before momentum can build around his candidature.

"I am talking to Kenyans. It is not worth it moving round or publicising my political strategy but those doubting would rather start taking us seriously," the minister said. Saitoti said he is organising his team adding that his mission is to ensure his bid to State House is successful.

Asked what he was doing to deal with the mass exodus of old supporters from PNU, including MPs, the minister insisted the party belonged to the people adding that the membership was intact.

Recruiting

He said his decision to keep off the PNU Alliance is because he learnt the new outfit is itself a full-fledged political party just like the PNU and not an umbrella party as previously accepted.

"We are not in PNU Alliance because we have realised the party is recruiting people just like we are doing in PNU. So I am concentrating my energies in building our party in readiness for the battle. If afterwards the Wiper Party or Kanu feel they can work with us, then it will be fine," Saitoti said.

His strategy has been to reawaken the old Kibaki networks while reviving his own old Kanu links at the grassroots in building a force towards the election.

In his campaigns, the Provincial Administration network and access to the national intelligence is likely to come in handy as he battles to get the State House job.

Assistant Minister Katoo ole Metito said the leaders from Kajiado County have met and given Saitoti a green light to run.

"We have discussed his candidature as leaders from Kajiado County and he has our nod to seek the presidency but now it is up to him to seek support in other counties," ole Metito said.