MPs welcome Kibaki for Eldoret peace rally

More than 30 MPs mainly from Rift Valley and Central Kenya jammed Eldoret International Airport Friday to welcome President Kibaki who was in Eldoret for a national reconciliation and healing rally.

The legislators who arrived at the airport as early as 8am were kept busy by invited entertainment groups who belted out tunes ahead of the President’s arrival.

The presidential jet eventually touched down at 10.30 am and the President who was accompanied by Internal Security minister George Saitoti was first received by Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner Osman Warfa.

Suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto whom 64 Stadium, the venue of the rally falls in his constituency, and former Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey were seen together chatting heartily before the President’s arrival.

The two are named by International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo in his list of those to face prosecution at the Hague over the 2007 post-election violence.

Other ministers present included Samuel Poghisio, (Transport), Franklin Bett (Roads), Esther Murugi (Special Programmes), Hellen Sambili (East African Community) and assistant ministers Mwangi Kiunjuri (Public Works), Bifwoli Wakoli (Lands), Mbiuki Kareke (Agriculture), and William Cheptumo (Justice).

The President happily greeted the MPs and local authority leaders who had lined up to receive him before his motorcade proceeded to Eldoret West district commissioner’s residence for a closed door meeting with local leaders.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta were not among the legislators who turned out to receive the head of State at the airport, though they were widely expected.

The two together with Mr Ruto are believed to be working into a possibility of entering into an alliance that has been described as Kikuyu, Kalenjin and Kamba (KKK) alliance, ahead of the 2012 General Election.

Agriculture minister Sally Kosgei was not at the airport and lands assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli was the only MP from Western province present at the function that was also attended by Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa.

Security remained tight at the airport and along the Airport-Eldoret road as enthusiastic members of the public lined-up on the road to have a glimpse of the President.

Vehicles were diverted to pave way for his motorcade and the President saluted the surging crowd, with some urging him to stop and address them.

On Thursday evening, more than 15 MPs who had been aboard a police helicopter landed at the home of Mr Ruto at Sugoi in his Eldoret North Contituency to strategise on how to receive the Head of State.

Speaking after landing, Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto said the President’s meeting would dwell much on peace and development.

“We are here as an advance team for tomorrows (Friday) meeting in which the President will attend and will mainly dwell on peace and development,” he said.

Mr Ruto said it was not the task of the government only to bring peace but each and every Kenyan like them.

Mr Wakoli said they wanted Kenyans to live in harmony and the meeting was about bringing Kenyans together.

Mr Wamalwa said Eldoret was the launching pad for peace in Rift Valley.

“Eldoret has been a champion for various things like athletics and that is why we want to use it as a starting point for peace in the region,” he said.

Other MPs on the team were assistant ministers Nderitu Mureithi, Adu Dwale, MPs Gonzi Rae, Charles Keter, Joshua Kutuny, David Koech, Benjamin Langat, Jackson Kiptanui, Lucas Chepkitony and Boaz Kaino among others.

Reported by Dennis Odunga, Barnabas Bii and Peter Ng’etich