Murungi pointed out that the party, referred in jest as the ‘Mbus’ (its symbol is a bus), did not sign any pre-poll coalition agreements and is not interested in negotiations with existing outfits/Mike Kariuki
Murungi pointed out that the party, referred in jest as the ‘Mbus’ (its symbol is a bus), did not sign any pre-poll coalition agreements and is not interested in negotiations with existing outfits.
“The bus has followed with keen interest the flurry of political activities. We want to make it very clear that The Alliance Party of Kenya has not signed any coalition agreement with any political party. The party also does not intend to sign any coalition agreements,” he stated.
He indicated that the party will hold its National Delegates Conference on December 20 where members will decide whether to continue supporting Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential bid.
“If the resolution is reviewed and confirmed by the National Delegates Conference, then honourable Uhuru Kenyatta will continue to be the preferred Alliance Party of Kenya candidate,” he said.
“If the NDC decides otherwise, then that otherwise is going to be the preferred election candidate.”
He was adamant that the party is dealing with Kenyatta as an individual.
“The options are not closed. The Alliance Party of Kenya can decide not to support any particular candidate during the next General Elections and leave the members to make their own personal decisions,” he explained.
The Alliance Party of Kenya National Governing Council had named Kenyatta the preferred presidential candidate in the elections.
The party arrived at the decision after delegates voted through secret ballot where The National Alliance (TNA) leader garnered 195 votes to beat Vice President and Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka who got 58 votes.
There were only three spoilt ballots.
What remains to be seen however is whether the party will support Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi should he clinch the presidential ticket during the TNA-URP-TNA nominations.
Members of Parliament from the Mount Kenya region are uneasy over the entry of Mudavadi into the pre-poll coalition that brings together his United Democratic Forum, Uhuru Kenyatta’s The National Alliance and the United Republican Party of William Ruto.
The legislators are opposed to suggestions that Kenyatta could step down from the presidential race in favour of Mudavadi.
In the pact signed on Tuesday between the three parties, Mudavadi and Uhuru will battle it out for the presidential ticket under the Jubilee Coalition, while Ruto remains the automatic running mate regardless of the outcome.
The scenario has caused jitters among MPs from the Mount Kenya region, who insist Uhuru must be on the March 4, 2013 ballot.
At least 40 MPs from the region threatened to walk out of the party.
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