URP denies split in Jubilee alliance

The United Republican Party has denied reports of a possible split in the Jubilee Coalition over the procedure for nominating candidates.

Spokesman Adan Duale told reporters in Nairobi that the alliance was seeking to expand by roping in more parties, contrary to last week when it seemed to have developed cracks.

“The Jubilee Coalition is intact and we are preparing the ground and we will present our candidate. And we believe we will take over the next government,” Mr Duale said on Monday.

“We are also talking to Water Minister Charity Ngilu (Narc) and Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa (New Ford-Kenya). Talks are at an advanced stage,” the Dujis MP said at the URP headquarters off Ngong Road.

URP received 25 councillors from Tana River County, who had defected from various parties to join the Jubilee coalition — a union of the National Alliance party (TNA) and the United Democratic Forum (UDF) — in which they have agreed to hold joint nominations for the presidential ticket as well as other elective seats such as governor, senator, MP and county ward representative in regions where none of the parties feels it is strong enough.

The alliance, he said, would release nominations rules by weekend to ensure no one is favoured.

“We are preparing the ground as a coalition for a free and fair nomination for our two flag bearers, Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi, and in 10 days’ time, we will tell the nation,” he said.

Deputy Prime Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta (TNA) and Musalia Mudavadi (UDF) are vying for the Jubilee presidential ticket while Eldoret North MP Mr William Ruto is seeking to deputise whoever wins.