Haji hints at joining Uhuru’s TNA

By Abdikadir Sugow

Defence Minister Mohamed Yusuf Haji has for the first time indicated his intention to join The National Alliance party (TNA) of Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.  Although he was widely anticipated to make such move, Mr Haji told the Standard On Sunday that he is focused to exiting the country’s oldest party, the Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) and will join TNA which although just five months old is making inroads into the political landscape.

 “I am determined to join TNA,” said the Ijara MP, adding that he, together with others, will cross the bridge at the appropriate time.

He said high-level consultations amongst the locals including the political elite are going on to agree, as a family of Garissa County, when to defect from Kanu and join TNA.    Haji’s pronouncement comes barely a week after the council of elders in Garissa resolved, without any condition, to back him for the Senator’s post come the General Election scheduled for March 4, 2013. Haji said he is overwhelmed by the support he has received from the residents and those in the Diaspora in his ambition to be in the political limelight. “I am very happy to receive huge support from my people and I believe in them,” said Haji. He said as the elections approach, he will strive to unite the local people.