Biwott’s National Vision party to back Uhuru in 2017

The National Vision Party of Kenya (NVP) will work with Jubilee as its affiliate but will not dissolve.

NVP leader Nicholas Biwott said his party supported the leadership offered by Jubilee.

He, however, said NVP will not be dissolved to join Jubilee Party, which President Uhuru Kenyatta plans to use to seek re-election in the 2017 polls.

“I have worked closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta while we were still members of the Kenya African National Union (Kanu) and that is why my party will be joining Jubilee as an affiliate party ahead of next year’s general elections,” said Mr Biwott on Sunday in Kipkabus, Uasin Gishu County.

He, at the same time, called upon leaders to work towards empowering Kenyans.

RESPECT OTHER LEADERS

Speaking on Sunday during a fundraiser in aid of Tingwa Women Group in Kipkabus Ward, Uasin-Gishu County, the former powerful minister during the Kanu rule urged the current crop of political leaders to respect their predecessors.

“During our tenure in office, we cultivated a culture of respecting each and every leader since the reign of the founding President Jomo Kenyatta.

“The present day leaders should respect their peers for the unity of this country,” added Mr Biwott.

Mr Biwott founded the NVP in 2008, after of his failed attempts to seize control of Kanu from President Kenyatta.

In December 2012, the party entered a four-party coalition including the New Ford Kenya, United Democratic Movement and Kanu to field a single presidential candidate in the 2013 general elections.

In January 2016, The NVP nominated former Kipkelion MP Daniel Tanui as its candidate for the Kericho senatorial seat. The seat was won by Jubilee’s Aaron Cheruiyot.

Mr Biwott said that Kenyans were free to join any political parties of their wish.

“All political parties that are registered are fully fledged and so they should be respected. Each and every Kenyan has a right to support or join any party he wishes so,” explained Mr Biwott.