Saitoti: I am best bet for PNU 2012 ticket

Internal Security minister George Saitoti has indicated he will participate in the PNU Alliance primaries to determine the party's flag-bearer for the presidency in 2012.

The PNU chairman said he will stick to the party despite some leaders wanting to ditch it and that he is ready to work with other like minded politicians.

The Kajiado North MP said his aim was to strengthen the party that sponsored President Kibaki to State House.

Announcing he will participate in the PNU Alliance nominations, Prof Saitoti warned that "people should not hide their cards under the table".

''Those who think they can shortchange me like what happened during the 1992 KANU delegates conference held at Kasarani, should now think otherwise,'' Prof Saitoti said at Marimanti Village, Tharaka Nithi within the larger Meru during the official opening of the newly constructed Makutano Police Station Wednesday.

He was referring to a group of MP's who on Tuesday night met at the Panafric Hotel and resolved to ditch PNU for the United Democratic Forum (UDF).

''I am very much ready to work with any leader who has a vision for this country in order to safeguard President Kibaki's legacy of a swift development record and keeping the 2030 vision alive'' he said.

The minister urged the electorate to vote wisely during the next General Election and avoid people who might cause chaos in the country again.

"People of the larger Meru know my stand. I always advocate peace and harmony in this country, why then would they vote anybody else a apart from me?'' he posed.

Prof Saitoti, who was accompanied by area MP Mburi Muiru, also accused his fellow legislators opposed to the Senate, terming them as leaders without vision.

He said his leadership would encompass all Kenyans as he had done with the Free Primary Education and the ongoing war on terror that seeks to reaffirm the government's commitment to ensuring peace in the country.