Saitoti tells Kenyans to be wary of tribal formations as 2012 nears

By Augustine Oduor and Beatrice Obwocha

Internal Security Minister George Saitoti has dismissed any form of alliance that would segregate some tribes ahead of the 2012 General Election.

He said he has never supported the much-touted KKK alliance and termed it a ‘pet’ subject fanned by the media.

"I have said before and I will say it here again. All Kenyans are important. It is wrong to assume that if your tribe is bigger then you ignore the others," he said.

Saitoti pointed out that alliances that do not support national cohesion and unity are not worthwhile.

"If you think that if your tribe is bigger and you want to ignore the others then that is dangerous," he said.

At the same time, Saitoti faulted the ongoing debate by some politicians to peg age limit for future presidential candidates at 50 years.

No future

"This age debate is nonsense. The Constitution clearly stipulates the requirements of being a president. And all Kenyans know that. Pegging the age limit is tantamount to hatred and hostility which is not appropriate," he said.

The minister was speaking in Kajiado North District when he presided over a prize-giving day for teachers.

Asked to declare his presidential ambitions and whether he would form any alliances ahead of elections, he said:

"I am a free Kenyan who can make any decision. I do not need any person to decide for me. If time comes I will make my position known.

Meanwhile, Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth urged Kenyans to be wary of tribal alliances.

Kenneth said all Kenyan communities have a stake in the country’s leadership and that tribal alliances have no future in modern Kenya.

He also cautioned that Kenyans tread careful in generational politics.

Kenneth was speaking in his constituency during a fundraiser to buy a bus for Gatanga secondary school.

And in Nakuru, politicians have been urged to avoid tribal politics ahead of the 2012 General Election.

Dr David Owuor of National Healing and Repentance Ministry said the politicians should instead embrace national politics and preach peace. "Politicians should rise up to national politics and stop being tribal chiefs. People are surrendering weapons because they want peace," Owour said.