Ruto reaches out to MPs in poll strategy

More MPs on Thursday drifted towards the United Democratic Movement, adding a fresh twist to likely political alliances ahead of next year’s elections.

Under the banner ‘Friends of UDM’, 33 MPs from ODM, Narc-Kenya, Kanu, ODM-Kenya, PNU and Kenda met in Nairobi to discuss political unity as campaigns for the elections start to take shape.

Thirty nine MPs, including three ministers, were invited to the luncheon at the former International Bible School hosted by Eldoret North MP William Ruto.

Top on the agenda was how to respond in Parliament to the government’s bid to change the election date, the gender representation rule, and the formation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Mr Ruto, who has parted ways with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has declared he will vie for the presidency on a UDM ticket. (READ: I'll take on Raila says Ruto)

Among those at the luncheon were Narc-Kenya secretary-general Danson Mungatana, Gender minister Naomi Shaaban and assistant minister Gonzi Rai.

Speaking to the Nation after the session, Dujis MP Aden Duale said its main aim was to unite ahead of the elections. He said another meeting would be held next week.

It was understood that the MPs expressed reservations about the recently formed PNU Alliance bringing together Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Internal Security minister George Saitoti.

Set conditions

Sources at the meeting indicated that most speakers set conditions for joining the PNU Alliance.

The sources said the MPs said they would only work with the alliance if UDM was taken as an equal partner and that they conduct separate nominations for the presidency before the winners square it out to get a single flag-bearer.

The meeting gave a signal that Mr Mungatana and Dr Shaaban were warming up to UDM, Mr Ruto’s likely vehicle for the presidency.