Kenyatta said on Thursday that Kenya was a multi party democracy and that TNA respects divergent opinions of parties that are engaged in discussions with other groups/FILE
Kenyatta said on Thursday that Kenya was a multi party democracy and that TNA respects divergent opinions of parties that are engaged in discussions with other groups.
“We who support TNA are looking for a process through which we can form an inclusive government. We are open to discussions with all – with the idea of being both inclusive and ensuring that like-minded parties are able to operate in the next Parliament. We respect divergent views but we also believe that where we should work together… we need to work together,” Kenyatta said.
Multiple sources at the meeting indicated that Kenyatta had received unanimous endorsement from the MPs to forge ahead and conclude negotiations with other parties even as he sought to wrap the deal with URP.
“There has not been any voice of dissent in the meeting, much of the sentiment we heard in the meeting was in support of a widened scope and reach out to more parties,” said the source.
His sentiments came as New Ford Kenya, KANU, The New Vision Party and the United Democratic Movement signed a pre-election pact led by Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa who was previously in talks with Kenyatta.
Kenyatta had on Tuesday announced a pre-election deal with Ruto, but his office later retracted the announcement.
On the case challenging his integrity that was dropped earlier on Thursday, Kenyatta said that he was still prepared to jump many others hurdles and be on the ballot in the March 4, 2013 general election.
The case was challenging the eligibility of Kenyatta and his Eldoret North William Ruto for the presidency due to charges they are facing at the International Criminal Court.
“Well I have gone through many hurdles. I am ready for many others that will be created and through the strength of God that we will still get over everything, be on the ballot and form the government next year,” he said amid ‘amen’ shouts from legislators accompanying him.
The petitioners (civil society activists) through advocate Ambrose Weda withdrew the case saying that the issue of integrity could not be addressed fully if other presidential aspirants were not part of the lawsuit.
Kenyatta disclosed that preparations for the joint rally with Ruto in Nakuru on Sunday are in top gear and that it will be to preach peace and cohesion.
Kenyatta spoke after briefing MPs allied to TNA at a city hotel on the progress made in the coalition talks.
The meeting was attended by over 25 MPs including ministers Beth Mugo, Jamleck Kamau, Naomi Shaban, Njeru Githae Amos Kimunya and Lewis Nguyai.
Others in attendance were MPs Ferdinand Waititu, Rachel Shebesh, Mutava Musyimi among others.
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