APK suffers setback after NDC declines to approve resolutions

APK leader Kiraitu Murungi (C) chats with Lenny Kivuti (L) and Johnstone Muthama during the delegates meeting. [Photo: Jenipher Wachie/standard]

 

By Mwaniki Munuhe

Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi suffered a setback after delegates differed over the line-up of national officials of the Alliance Party of Kenya.

On Saturday, APK National Delegates Conference declined to approve the proposed resolutions of the National Executive Committee.

Although the delegates had earlier approved Mr Kiraitu as APK party leader, differences emerged later when they were required to confirm officials.

Trouble started when Kiraitu read out the name of Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi as interim chairperson, but the delegates protested saying Mathira MP Ephraim Maina should hold the post.

Kiraitu told the meeting that Mr Maina had agreed to the proposal only for him to take to the floor and declare that whereas there may have been a meeting, the will of the delegates should be respected.

Empty promises

“It is true we met and discussed the issue, but that was an informal meeting whose proposal delegates are supposed to ratify. That was not an NDC meeting. The will of the delegates should be respected,” he said.

Delegates consequently agreed to another proposal that four members of the party from every county should meet and consider the contentious issues in a week’s time.

Kiraitu at the same time threatened to initiate talks with presidential candidates Eldoret North MP William Ruto and UDF’s Musalia Mudavadi if both Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta refuse to co-operate. “I want your permission that in three weeks, if I am not able to get Uhuru Kenyatta and Kalonzo Musyoka to come to the bus, we look for another driver. I can talk to Ruto, he has been looking for me to be his running mate; I can also talk to Musalia Mudavadi,” said Kiraitu.

The meeting was also attended by among others MP’s Lenny Kivuti, Johnstone Muthama, Peter Munya and Emilio Kathuti. Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama said APK has the support of President Kibaki and  APK will not join any other party.

“The bus will not go looking for a driver; drivers should come looking for the bus. Anybody telling us I have my TNA or Wiper, I need to go to consult wacha waende wakae huko na watu wao (Let them go out there and work with their people),” he said.