Coalition with Ruto will unite Kenya, says Uhuru

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday said that his alliance with Eldoret North MP William Ruto was aimed at ensuring Kenya remained peaceful dismissing those who have claimed that they are doing it for selfish interests.

This was the first time that Mr Kenyatta was publicly commenting on his alliance with Mr Ruto which will see them contest the country’s presidency on a joint ticket in next year's election.

“We joined hands with Mr William Ruto of URP to bring peace to Kenyans. We have said never again should Kenyans fight for any reason. Our interest is peace for all and not our own selfish gain. Those who want to incite community against community don’t deserve leadership,” he said. Read (Kalonzo rejects job as G7 strikes power deal)

Mr Kenyatta asked the crowd to support their ongoing talks with Mr Ruto saying that their union was aimed at addressing the issues facing Kenyans.

When there is peace, he added, the government will be able to provide better healthcare, clean water, jobs for young people and infrastructure.

Mr Kenyatta’s tour of Laikipia is in line with an agreement made on Thursday between TNA, URP, Narc, New Ford-Kenya and Republican Congress Party.

The five parties which are working on a coalition agreed to move to their backyards and seek support for the alliance before kicking off joint rallies on November 21.

Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto have agreed on a joint ticket where the TNA leader will be the presidential candidate while the URP leader will be the running mate.

Others in the coalition will share out other positions including the Leader of Majority and Speakers of the two houses of Parliament.

Mr Kenyatta told off Cabinet Minister Henry Kosgey for his “we can’t go up the mountain” comments at a public meeting in Nakuru, saying he and the others are architects of division.

He said he and Mr Ruto have resolved to work together to bring peace not just in the Rift Valley, but the whole of Kenya.

Mr Kenyatta said no foreigner will determine who becomes the leader in Kenya after the elections adding that this is the role of Kenyans.

Recalling that chaos in 2007 broke out allegedly because the election was rigged, Mr Kenyatta asked his supporters to ensure that they vote for those under the TNA banner.

As he welcomed Garsen MP Danson Mungatana to TNA, Mr Kenyatta also called on his supporters to adopt a three-piece style of voting to give the party strength.

He also called on Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua to join him saying; “she is our hero who has fought for democratic governance and human rights in the country.”

Mr Kenyatta said President Kibaki’s second term had been affected by lack of political strength which made it difficult for him to deliver on promises he made to Kenyans adding that this made his opponents claim that he had 'stolen' the election.

Mr Kenyatta said time had come for Kenyans to give “strength” to the incoming president by ensuring all political positions are filled in a uniform manner without mixing.

He said the fact that PNU had 43 MPs and ODM close to 100 seats, the figures were used as proof that President Kibaki had rigged the polls.

“Yet close to 100 MPs backed the president but not under PNU,” Mr Kenyatta said.

Mr Mungatana said that the road to State House has begun and that is why he had made the journey to join TNA and ensure Mr Kenyatta becomes president next March.

He said Mr Kenyatta is bringing together leaders from all parts of Kenya and leading a new generation of young leaders to take their destiny in their own hands.

“My message to those outside is to join TNA so that this generation can take the country to the next level,” Mr Mungatana said.

The Garsen MP who has been a vocal and strong supporter of Ms Karua’s presidential bid joins a growing list of vocal politicians, including nominated MP Rachael Shebesh and Marakwet East MP Linah Kilimo, who have decamped to TNA.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan said Mr Kenyatta had backed him in a by-election without considering his religion or ethnic affiliation.

He asked Laikipia residents to vote for Mr Kenyatta, describing him as “a great and fair Kenyan.”

Gender Minister Naomi Shabaan told the Laikipia residents to vote for county representatives, MPs, governors and senators on a TNA ticket.

She castigated Laikipia West MP Nderitu Muriithi of UDF accusing him of “spreading falsehoods that a kikuyu is not fit to become president” after Kibaki retires.

“Mr Kenyatta is fit and able to serve this country as president,” Ms Shabaan said.

Mr Kenyatta asked residents and especially those seeking seats to do so on a TNA ticket, saying party nominations will be free and fair.

He reiterated that he had no preferred candidates and the “people will decide.”

After Kinamba, the roadshow headed to Rumuruti and finally Nyahururu town. On the way, Mr Kenyatta addressed residents at various stops.

Others who accompanied him included Minister Jamleck Kamau and MPs Erastus Muriithi, William Kabogo, Tirus Ngahi, Nelson Gaichuhie, Nemesyus Warugongo, Rachel Shebesh, Ephraim Maina, Ferdinand Waititu, Walter Nyambati and Joseph Kiuna.