Kiraitu Murungi with Ephraim Maina/ FILE
The leaders of the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK), The Grand National Union (GNU) and the Democratic Party (DP) say that they are in negotiations to work together for the next general election.
Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi of APK asserted that they are independent parties and that they will engage with TNA from a point of respect and as equals and will not heed to calls for dissolution.
“TNA is a party just like the our parties; we have no problem discussing with TNA if they are willing to discus with us, but the discussion must be on the basis of equality, of mutual respect and on ideology. We do not agree with those who say that we should dissolve but we are ready to cooperate with TNA and other parties as independent parties,” said Murungi.
He said that they aim to form the next government at the next elections by working with other like minded parties with the possibility of a single candidate.
“We have not yet identified a common candidate yet but its one of the things that we are going to consult on because it will be critical for all parties to support the candidate if he is to win the election,” further said Murungi.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri insisted that they will only listen to officials of TNA and not pronouncements made by individual members of the party.
“We have been mandated to speak on behalf of our parties, we would like to hear the actual position of TNA which we expect to come form TNA officials,” emphasised.
Remarks by Kikuyu MP Lewis Nguyai that the region “would better vote for dogs rather than leaders who belonged to small parties” did not go well with leaders who insisted that the Political Parties Act did not provide for small parties but parties with national outlook.
“All parties fully registered are equal before the law; one of the requirements of the act is that parties must have a national character, we must disabuse the notion of parties from Central Kenya or small parties or parties from a corner,“ said former Kieni MP Chris Murungaru.
During the opening of the TNA headquarters in Nairobi on Tuesday Kenyatta affirmed that TNA will work closely with like minded parties towards the next general election.
Kenyatta said that he will support the candidate who emerges top in the TNA presidential nominations.
The leaders spoke after a meeting at the Panafric Hotel attended by GNU’s Kiunjuri, and Joseph Munyao of DP.
Others who attended the lunchtime meeting were MPs Ephraim Maina, Lenny Kivuti, Silas Rutere and former MPs Nderitu Gachagua and Murungaru.
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