ODM-Kenya breaking down as Biwott’s Kanu reaches out to Uhuru’s Kanu
Posted by African Press International on July 20, 2007
By Joseph Murimi and Ayub Savula
Kanu chairman, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, and his rival, Keiyo South MP Mr Nicholas Biwott, have met in a move seen as the first step towards a complete withdrawal from ODM-Kenya.
Uhuru and Biwott held lengthy consultations at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday morning, where the party’s association with ODM-Kenya topped the agenda.
The two leaders have been fighting over the control of the country’s oldest party and have been sharply divided over Kanu’s association with ODM-Kenya.
The Biwott team comprising MPs, Mr Nick Salat, Mr Paul Sang’ and Mr Jimmy Choge is said to have demanded Kanu’s complete withdrawal from ODM-Kenya.
The faction favours an undiluted Kanu, where the party would field its own candidates in the next General Election.
“There is nothing out of the ordinary that we discussed. We want Kanu to come together. We are not going to join ODM-Kenya. We can deal with them in future, but not now,” Salat said.
Process of ironing out differences
Mr Justin Muturi, Mr Marsden Madoka, Mr Yusuf Hajji and Mr Joseph Nkaissery, accompanied Uhuru to the meeting.
However, when he came out, Uhuru only said they started a process of ironing out their differences. He termed the meeting the beginning of a strong and united Kanu.
“Biwott has said he is ready to talk. We are also ready to talk. It’s a good beginning and soon you will see a united Kanu,” Uhuru said.
Said Biwott: “As you know there are two Kanu factions. Nothing has changed, but we reached out to the Uhuru faction because we believe in unity.’’
Meanwhile, ODM-Kenya National Executive Committee (Nec) meets on Thursday to discuss the controversial creation of new constituencies.
Secretary general, Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, on Wednesday said ODM-Kenya was aware of the Government’s intention to introduce a Bill in Parliament to increase the constituencies.
He urged the Government to realise creating new constituencies was of national importance and should not be subjected to partisan politics.
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