Kabando joins debate on Uhuru 'endorsement'

An assistant minister wants Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta subjected to vetting as a candidate for the presidency in the 2012 elections.

Mr Kabando wa Kabando of Youth and Sports Affairs described Environment minister John Michuki's "purported anointment of Uhuru diversionary, comic and irrelevant."

The attacks on Mr Kenyatta, he added, are unjustified adding that those against the Gatundu South MP should not be vindictive and malicious.

“The DPM is entitled to his own national support. We should not personalise an issue rattled at a podium and regrettably falling prey to Michuki who has scant respect for incumbent young elected leaders,” Mr Kabando said in a statement.

Mr Kabando said the anti - Uhuru team should declare their preferred choices instead of veiling their attacks on side shows.

“Mheshimiwa Uhuru deserves respect, is entitled to voluntary support. As Finance Minister, he has achieved exemplarily, especially on the Economic Stimulus Package, we should judge him on such scores."

The Mukurweini MP said ethnic tones are de- relics in new political dispensation and that Mr Michuki’s world view was eclipsing.  “Determination of Kenya’s next leadership template will be made on issues, not yawning tired declarations at sunset, nor by proxy attacks on performing colleagues. Sobriety is needed,” Mr Kabando said.

Last weekend, Mr Michuki declared Mr Kenyatta as Central Kenya’s preferred successor for President Kibaki.

He said other leaders eyeing the presidency have to pass through Mr Kenyatta to win the region’s support.

Mr Michuki’s remarks however drew criticism from Gichugu MP Martha Karua among others who said the anointment of the Kanu boss was bound to fail.