I have quit G7 Alliance, says Jirongo

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Mr Jirongo said the G7 Alliance was headed for disintegration and hinted of a new alliance, which would bring on board leaders from the Rift Valley, Western and Kisii in Nyanza.

Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo on Sunday claimed that he and his Eldoret North and Saboti colleagues William Ruto and Eugene Wamalwa respectively were no longer part of the G7 Alliance.

Mr Jirongo said they had decided to quit the Alliance because “it was clear President Kibaki would settle on either Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta or Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka for the top seat in 2012”.

“The G7 is about central Kenya leadership in 2012 and Mr (William) Ruto and I are looking at other options, which include coming up with a formidable alliance outside the G7 group,” said Mr Jirongo. (READ: New political party formed ahead of 2012)

But Government Chief Whip Johnstone Muthama maintained that Mr Ruto remained firmly in the G7 Alliance.

Strong statement

“Just the other day Ruto issued a very strong statement saying he was working closely with Kalonzo so who is Jirongo to say otherwise? Since when was he appointed Ruto’s spokesman and by who?” Mr Muthama asked.

Former assistant minister Omingo Magara downplayed Mr Jirongo’s sentiments.

“To us what is important is working with like-minded politicians to deliver the promise, it is not about the numbers,” Mr Magara stated.

But Mr Jirongo drew support from PNU vice-chairman George Nyamweya who branded the G7 Alliance “an assembly of politicians pursuing their presidential ambitions.”

“It should never be about individuals but parties and policies. G7 is just a collection of seven or so individuals who have expressed interest in the presidency,” he said.

Speaking at Navakholo in Kakamega County, Mr Jirongo said the G7 Alliance was headed for disintegration and hinted of a new alliance, which would bring on board leaders from the Rift Valley, Western and Kisii in Nyanza.

He termed the G7 group as President Kibaki’s strategy to ensure his successor came from central Kenya.

Mr Jirongo said President Kibaki would be unwilling to anoint Mr Ruto because of his close relationship with Mr Musyoka, Mr Kenyatta and Internal Security minister George Saitoti.

Three MPs allied Mr Ruto were, however, cautious in their reactions. Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto said Mr Ruto’s allies would consult before issuing a statement on the matter on Monday.

“We will hold a public rally today in Kisii and react appropriately,” he said.

On his part, Konoin MP Julius Kones dismissed Mr Jirongo’s statement as personal, saying the G7 Alliance brought together established politicians and those struggling to build a power base.”

Belgut MP Charles Keter said: “We (G7 Alliance) are working collectively and will support whoever wins the presidential nominations.

Reported by Peter Leftie, Benedict Tirop and Benson Amadala