Oscar Obonyo And Ayub Savula
15 September 2007
analysis
Nairobi — Kanu chairman Mr Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday evening literally walked in the welcoming hands of President Kibaki at State House Nairobi hours after dropping from the presidential race.
The meeting attended by Uhuru's loyalists in Kanu progressed as two eye-catching developments unfolded. The Orange Democratic Party led by Mr Raila Odinga asked Uhuru to climb down from the helm of the Opposition. And President Kibaki's staunchest allies, mainly ministers, went into a night meeting, ostensibly to assess their strength, and how far Uhuru's entry could upset the political equilibrium within and among Kibaki-friendly parties.
As the two mighty hands locked, the encounter sealed what in the political arena is now being referred to as the 'unholy alliance', the reverse of the Russian, Austrian and Prussian joint military force against France's Napoleon Bonaparte.
The tagline stems from the fact that Uhuru is the leader of the Official Opposition, and is therefore the least expected to support the group he is paid to check and if possible, question their moves.
Those who attacked him gave little significance to the fact that besides supporting Kibaki, Uhuru said Kanu would field parliamentary and civic candidates.
Uhuru was received by his host at the coveted office the Gatundu South MP tried to stop Kibaki from occupying in 2002 - on the platform of generational change.
But down the line, and with each five years older, Uhuru chose to back Kibaki, hoping in 2012 he would reciprocate. But the President first has to win to hand Uhuru his payback cheque in 2012.
Kanu chief whip, Mr Justin Muturi, along with an insider in Kibaki Government, confirmed the meeting.
" We are just doing what we resolved at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that we back President Kibaki's re-election," added Muturi.
He reiterated that Uhuru would not be running for president this year, reinforcing his chairman's stand that he cannot run when all the odds are against him.
It is also believed Uhuru's team and Kibaki's struck a deal to counter Raila and ODM during the December elections.
One key component agreed at the meeting is that Kanu MPs would be incorporated into government if Kibaki wins.
Kibaki camp wants Kalonzo
It was also agreed that ODM-Kenya presidential candidate Kalonzo Musyoka be lobbied to join the Kibaki group. The Mwingi North MP, however, dismissed the overture as a non-starter because crossing over was not an option.
The negotiators further agreed that political parties campaigning for Kibaki's re-election be allowed to compete fairly at the grassroots for the parliamentary and civic seats.
Sources privy to the talks said it was agreed that Kanu leaders would campaign for President Kibaki's re-election.
Former President Moi, who is supporting Kibaki's re-election, has kicked off the Kanu campaigns in the Rift Valley.
Other party leaders at State House were Kanu vice- chairman, Maj (Rtd) Mardsen Madoka, Prof Sam Ongeri and former Mombasa Mayor Taib Ali Taib.
Keiyo South MP Nicholas Biwott who was on the guest list sent apologies.
With the President was his strategy adviser, Mr Stanley Murage.
Uhuru's entry into the Kibaki camp, is part strategy retain the Gatundu South seat and reposition himself as the central Kenya's prize bull when Kibaki retires, should he win, has far-reaching ramifications even among the President's supporters.
Most of the leading politicians jostling for space in the Kibaki camp, include Cabinet ministers Mr Musikari Kombo, Prof George Saitoti, Dr Mukhisa Kituyi and Ms Martha Karua, are seen to be more preoccupied with the Kibaki succession.
Uhuru's inclusion to the crucial list is raising hairs, considering that the Gatundu South MP not only heads the Independence party, but also made the biggest sacrifice.
Uhuru has registered political history by abdicating his duty as leader of Official Opposition - a factor that has opened him up to both praise and ridicule.
Following Uhuru's secret meeting with a section of ministers championing President Kibaki's re-election, The Saturday Standard established that his 'defection' was anticipated as it was actually discussed and sealed in Naivasha.
Our source said the meeting chaired by Kombo, the Ford-Kenya Chairman, even assigned the Kanu leader the hefty task of resource mobilisation, alongside Planning minister Mr Henry Obwocha, who represented Ford-People.
The other roles were assigned to Information and Communications ministers, Mr Mutahi Kagwe (logistics and national campaign), Transport minister Ali Chirau Mwakwere (finance), Agriculture minister, Kipruto arap Kirwa (recruitment) and Foreign Affairs minister Raphael Tuju (media and advertising). Kombo chairs the committee.
But is Uhuru going to be the face of President Kibaki's presidential campaigns, walking alongside him and sharing a platform or leading parallel campaigns?
With the so-called Kibaki-friendly parties toying with the notion of merging ahead of the elections, will Uhuru play ball or will he rescind his decision?
Even more curious, is how Uhuru, who has previously described President Kibaki's style of leadership as "hands off, ears off, legs off and everything off", will willingly market the same man? And will he remain the leader of Official Opposition?
The post is ranked alongside that of ministers. The holder earns around Sh1 million and is entitled to an office and staff at Parliament Buildings.
The holder receives a basic salary of Sh700, 000 in addition to a responsibility allowance of Sh200, 000, House allowance stands at Sh100, 000, extraneous allowance Sh80, 000, entertainment Sh80, 000, and constituency allowance Sh50, 000. Uhuru has a GK car - a Mercedes Benz. Government pays his support staff and guards in Parliament.
Five years ago, when retired President Moi identified Uhuru as his successor, the two leaders championed Kanu and the Gatundu South MP's campaigns on the platform of a generational war against Kibaki and his team. Now questions abound; if he wins, Kibaki will retire at 81, while Uhuru will be 50.
It will be the first time in 47 years of its existence that the Independence party won't field a presidential candidate. It is also unlikely Uhuru will have any interest in the constitutional interpretation on the appointment of ministers from his party by Kibaki in the courts.
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