Keep off our party affairs, Murungi tells TNA

The Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) leader Kiraitu Murungi addresses a news conference in NAirobi December 7, 2012. He told The National Alliance (TNA) to stop meddling in his party's affairs. AGGREY MUTAMBO

The Alliance Party of Kenya (APK) on Friday asked The National Alliance of Kenya (TNA) to stop meddling in its affairs.

APK leader Kiraitu Murungi said other parties should allow the party to make an independent decision on it's future.

“We would like to call upon all other political parties to leave the ‘Bus’ alone. We want to be left alone to pursue our own unique political path and our own unique political dream," said Mr Murungi during a news conference in Nairobi.

“One of the political parties, specifically which we would like to leave APK alone, is TNA. APK is an independent party, fully registered just like TNA is registered. We are not a branch, we are not an affiliate of TNA and they should leave us alone."

Mr Murungi, who has accused TNA of betrayal, said APK had not changed its support for Uhuru Kenyatta's presidential bid yet.

“This party had passed a resolution stating that its preferred presidential candidate was honourable Uhuru Kenyatta. That resolution still stands because it was a resolution made by the highest organ of the party,” he said.

But the party said it has called for the National Delegates Conference (NDC) on December 20 to review the stand based on “the fundamental changes in political circumstances” in the country.

“If the NDC decides otherwise, then that ‘otherwise’ is going to be the preferred APK candidate. And the options are not closed. APK can decide not to support any particular candidate during the next General Election and leave the members to make their own personal decisions.”

One of the changes the party will have to review is the inclusion of Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi's United Democratic Forum (UDF) in the coalition with TNA as well as the United Republican Party (URP).

Under the pact reached last Tuesday, Mr Mudavadi is expected to contest the presidential nomination against Mr Kenyatta while William Ruto, the URP leader, is assured of the deputy president’s post.

"We are not party to the coalition being formed and unformed (with TNA). On the decision about the presidential candidate, our resolution still stands (to support Mr Kenyatta).

“And unless the party reviews and says now, they think Musalia Mudavadi should be the one to be supported instead of Uhuru Kenyatta, as of now, it is Uhuru Kenyatta.

“If on 20th, the NDC decides it is not Uhuru Kenyatta but Musalia Mudavadi, then we shall advise our members accordingly. We are not saying no, it could be possible.”

The stand contrasts heavily with the sentiments made on Thursday by about 40 MPs allied to TNA.