G7 leaders mark Wamalwa anniversary, vow to stay united

By Vincent Bartoo                                   

G7 alliance leaders trooped to Trans Nzoia County and declared that the alliance would remain united upto the 2012 General Election.

They announced that contrary to popular belief that alliance leaders would run for the presidency individually, they would front one candidate.

The leaders poured cold water on Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s challenge for the alliance to name the candidate who would face him in the 2012 polls.

The group’s leading lights Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto and Eugene Wamalwa said they would not impose any leader on Kenyans “like Raila has already done”.

Raila made the challenge recently even as his deputy, Musalia Mudavadi, said he would seek ODM’s nomination to run for the presidency.

The three G7 leaders said they would instead subject themselves to a nomination process.

 “And we are going to let Kenyans decide who among us is best suited to lead us (alliance). Whoever is chosen, we will all rally behind him. I commit myself to that,” said Uhuru.

Expressed optimism

The sentiments were echoed by Ruto and Wamalwa who expressed optimism that their outfit would form the next Government.

The leaders also sought to dispel the notion that they were only interested in capturing power, saying their motives are to change Kenya.

Uhuru called on his colleagues in the alliance to be faithful and truthful to each other.

“We hold the aspirations and hopes of the current and future generations of this country. Let us not let them down,” said Uhuru.

Wamalwa warned against forces that would likely scuttle G7’s “grand march to State House” and asked his colleagues to be wary of such schemes.

They were speaking on Tuesday during eighth commemoration  anniversary of the late Vice-President Kijana Wamalwa at his Milimani residence in Kitale.

Uhuru, who was the chief guest, represented President Mwai Kibaki.

Several MPs drawn from regions the G7 alliance leaders hail from attended the function.

Ford-Kenya leaders skipped the event leaving it to be dominated by their New Ford Kenya rivals.

The leaders further equated the G7 alliance to the National Alliance of Kenya (NAK) formed by President Kibaki, the late Wamalwa and Charity Ngilu.

The leaders said Raila had nothing new to offer Kenyans.

“Apart from the proverbs and the football matches he is fond of, have you heard him outline what he is planning to do with Kenyans?” posed Ruto.

They told the PM “To read the writing on the wall” based on the outcome of recent by-elections in Ikolomani and Kamukunji constituencies where ODM lost to PNU-affiliated parties.

“We are also going to teach him a lesson in the forthcoming Kisii by-election,” said Wamalwa.

Other MPs at the function faulted leaders from Western Province who have declared their interest in the presidency.

 “If you want us to support Wamalwa, stop pulling in different directions. Stay united,” said Kazungu Kambi, the Kaloleni MP.

Ndaragwa MP, Jeremiah Kioni, told the aspirants to read the signs in the G7 alliance and abandon their ambitions for the sake of one of their own.

Nominated MP Musikari Kombo and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo said they would be asking the community to rally behind one presidential candidate.