Biwott warns over 'return to one-party state'

National Vision Party candidate for the Kericho Senate seat Daniel Tanui (right) with chairman Nicholas Biwott (second right) and other leaders at Moi gardens in Kericho yesterday. [PHOTO: Nikko Tanui/STANDARD]

A former Cabinet minister has cautioned Kenyans against being passive "as the country is being turned into a single-party state".

Nicholas Biwott, who is also the National Vision Party (NVP) chairman, recalled that in 1990, Kenyans fought hard for the amendment of section 2(a) in the old constitution to allow for multi-partism, adding attempts are currently being made to reverse it.

Deputy President William Ruto has been on the forefront negotiating with various political parties in the country to close shop and join the newly formed Jubilee Alliance Party.

"Multi-party democracy should be allowed to take root in the country. Political parties should not be coerced to fold," said Biwott yesterday at Moi gardens in Kericho town during a campaign rally for Bishop Daniel Tanui, the NVP candidate in the Kericho Senate race.

Tanui, a former Kipkelion MP, said he was the best candidate to replace Energy Cabinet minister Charles Keter in the Senate.

"I know residents have not forgotten my development agenda when I was the Commerce assistant minister and should vote for me since I am the only candidate who will match words with actions," he said.

He listed six agenda items which he pledged to implement if elected the senator in the March 7 by-election.

"There is a high unemployment rate among the youths, contributed to by the fact that they missed out on the Sh6 billion the Jubilee government had promised to channel to Uwezo fund. This is something I will fight hard to fix," he said.

The former MP also said he will also fight for equality in the tea sector during the payment of tea bonus.

Biwott also told President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto to share the country's resources equitably.

The former minister also said his party would conduct a peaceful campaign free of incitement and insults.