Tuju denies plan to split Raila votes

Former Cabinet minister Raphael Tuju has denied that his presidential bid was meant to split Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s votes.

Mr Tuju said PNU did not have a hand in his decision to go for the top seat.

The former Information minister, who launched his presidential bid in Nairobi on Sunday, said he had identified two parties on which he would seek votes.

He said he had entered the race after being urged to do so by youths as he went round the country preaching peace following the 2008 post-election violence through his Kenya Hope Foundation.

He said many capable young leaders had given up hope of ever taking up the leadership of the country because they did not enjoy political patronage.

Mr Tuju, who was a special advisor in the Office of the President before resigning on Sunday, said he wanted to prove that Kenyans could look beyond tribal inclinations.

“I understand that divisive game of tribal politics is extremely profitable to some, even as it levies a heavy cost on tribal followers. Kenyans have died for their tribal political leaders but I am in the race because of the many unemployed youths and tribal alliances which have dominated our politics,” he said.

He added: “Instead of announcing yet another tribal alliance, I am building a national alliance of peace-loving, honest and hard working Kenyans in every corner of this country, who share the belief and conviction that this country deserves better.”

Mr Tuju said he had served President Kibaki in the last eight and a half years and had decided to re-enter politics at the national level as a presidential candidate.

“I realise that with my candidacy, I do not bring into the political arena any tribal or regional voting bloc because my tribe is Kenya,” he said.

The former Rarieda MP said his stepping down, which President Kibaki approved, was to avoid a possible conflict of interest while engaging in campaigns.

“I hope that my stepping forward will inspire many more to dare to dream of a country that is not gripped by these vices,” said Mr Tuju.