Uhuru and Ruto first to sign pact
PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL TNA-URP coalition presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta (second right) and his running mate William Ruto (left) during the signing of their pre-election agreement at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi on December 3, 2012.
What you need to know:
- Mr Kenyatta said the priorities for the TNA-URP coalition would be peace, unity and the election of leaders who can work to improve the economy and increase employment opportunities
- Even as the International Criminal Court cases facing them and two other Kenyans at The Hague loom large, Mr Kenyatta declared that it was their right to bid for the top seat
- The European Union and the United States are viewed as opposed to the candidature of the ICC suspects
Presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto on Monday evening became the first team to deposit their pre-election coalition deal at the Registrar of Political Parties.
The agreement was signed at 5.50pm at a table set up on an open podium at the historic Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi.
“Mikutano ya mahoteli yameisha (The meetings in hotels have come to an end),” Mr Kenyatta declared. There had been a flurry of meetings over the past two months preceding the deal.
With a large crowd in red and yellow caps and T-shirts, the two and their party officials declared that their campaign would be based on issues and would be free of insults and negative attacks.
Mr Kenyatta said the priorities for the TNA-URP coalition would be peace, unity and the election of leaders who can work to improve the economy and increase employment opportunities.
Mr Ruto said: “Never again will blood be shed, property destroyed on account of political competition.”
He said the coalition would campaign on the basis of their performance and track record.
Even as the International Criminal Court cases facing them and two other Kenyans at The Hague loom large, Mr Kenyatta declared that it was their right to bid for the top seat.
“Even suspects have their own rights, in their own nations,” the presidential candidate said.
“From the time we were named, we said we are determined to follow the due process to clear our names, but this does not mean we should be denied our rights.”
The European Union and the United States are viewed as opposed to the candidature of the ICC suspects.
Mr Kenyatta also aimed a few broadsides at those critical of their coalition. “We don’t interfere with your internal affairs. We appreciate your concern as friends, but you must leave the (Kenyan people) to decide,” he said.
The biggest political catch of the day was Mvita MP Najib Balala.
Narc leader Charity Ngilu did not show up for the ceremony. Mr Balala said he would work with Environment Minister Chirau Mwakwere to rally support for the coalition at the Coast.
Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndung’u said the deadline for depositing of pre-election agreements would not be extended beyond 5pm Tuesday.
