Uhuru takes new turn as he launches party

Red was the dominant colour at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre as Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta launched The National Alliance in Nairobi on Sunday.

The function was held at two venues — in a dome in the Comesa Grounds where about 3,000 people were present and in the KICC Courtyard, with close to 15,000 people in attendance. The dome was only accessible to those who had cards.

Mr Kenyatta is anchoring his campaign under the “I believe” theme that seeks to encourage Kenyans to work together to realise their aspirations.

There were 55 MPs, including Cabinet ministers, allied to Mr Kenyatta at the function.

Mr Kenyatta was accompanied by his family, including his wife Margaret and mother Mama Ngina. (SEE IN PICTURES: Uhuru party launch)

The crowd was treated to entertainment from various artistes, among them P-Unit and Jua Cali.

The crowds at the different venues were kept updated on the happenings on the other side through big screens.

Most of the activities such as the introduction of officials were shown on the screens.

There was also footage from Nyeri, Garissa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Bungoma, Nakuru, Mombasa and Kakamega where parallel events on the launch were held.

The speakers did not rely on printed texts in delivering their messages but were guided by teleprompters.

Security, which was provided by both the police and private firms, was tight.

Before entering the dome, Mr Kenyatta and his main guest, Mr Eugene Wamalwa, were hoisted by party officials in a tent christened “The Presidential Lounge”. The tent had a red carpet.

As if to match the day’s colour, most female MPs were dressed in red attire.

At the same time, Mr Kenyatta’s supporters held processions in Nyeri County to mark the birth of TNA.

They promised to register as members as soon as possible, after waiting to see the party on whose ticket Mr Kenyatta would vie for the presidency.

Women representative aspirant Wanjiru Irungu led the procession through the five constituencies, celebrating the launch of the party.

“We fully support Uhuru and believe the party will have a big impact in the Central region,” said Ms Irungu.

She said the party is youthful and will start grassroots party members’ recruitment next week as it opens its offices in Nyeri town.

“We have not seen any vibrant campaigning in the region because we were waiting for Mr Uhuru to show us the party he would go to State House with to join,” said Mr Macharia Mwangi of Mukurweini.

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Peter Kairo told politicians not to divide Kenyans along ethnic lines and called on the voters to elect responsible leaders.

Speaking to journalists at Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral in Nyeri on Sunday, the cleric said the political parties and those vying for various seats should present their manifestos for the public to scrutinise them.

In Kakamega, the launch of TNA generated excitement among the youth who turned up for celebrations at the Muliro Grounds.

The officials began registering party members. A big TV screen showed proceedings of the launch in Nairobi.

Interim chairman Robert Mulemi and coordinator for Western Winnie Katanu said the party would embark on an aggressive recruitment drive in the region.

In Kisumu, the function to mark the launch of TNA had to be abandoned after youth turned rowdy, accusing the organisers of failing to pay them.

Organisers were forced to prematurely end the event, which was to see party members watch what was going on in Nairobi.

Over 700 youth had gathered at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu for the launch of TNA’s Nyanza chapter, with organisers having high expectations that the party would be well-received in the province largely perceived to be an ODM stronghold.

By Oliver Mathenge, Brian Yonga, Eric Mutai and Benson Amadala