UHURU, RUTO CAMPAIGNS FOR JAP IN MERU

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday urged the people of Meru County to support the newly formed Jubilee Alliance Party.

Speaking during his first visit to the vote-rich county since his election in 2013, the President urged the Alliance Party of Kenya’s supporters to throw their weight behind JAP.

“If we fight amongst ourselves we will not develop. Let us respect one another and be one for us to change the face of Kenya,” Mr Kenyatta said.

The formation of JAP has been met with strong opposition by some Alliance Party of Kenya leaders, among them Meru Governor Peter Munya, who said it would take the nation back to the dark days of single-party rule.

However, his party leader, Kiraitu Murungi, has welcomed the new outfit. He said the APK party was ready to work with JAP in readiness for the 2017 General Election.

Mr Munya has threatened to form another party should the APK be dissolved.

HELP GAIN POWER

According to him, the new Jubilee party is meant to help some individuals gain power after Mr Kenyatta’s term ends in 2022, should he win a second term in 2017.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, who has been campaigning for JAP’s support, has expressed interest in becoming Deputy President William Ruto’s running mate during the 2022 poll.

Speaking in Marimba and Nkubu towns in South Imenti Sub-County, the President said he was ready to work with the counties. He urged governors to work closely with the National Government.

Mr Kenyatta said since Kenyans voted for a Constitution with a devolved system of governance, leaders had a duty to deliver.

The President asked Meru leaders and all Kenyans to unite for the betterment of the nation.

He told Meru leaders to stop the “small wars”, which, he said, would not be beneficial to the locals.

“My wish and that of my government is unity for the prosperity of Kenyans,” Mr Kenyatta said.

The Head of State who arrived at Marimba at 11am, was accompanied by his deputy and a number of MPs.

Mr Ruto said it would be easier to implement the Jubilee Manifesto if all the parties under the ruling coalition come under one party.

The Deputy President said JAP would ensure a continued, solid political relationship between coalition partners.

He said a single alliance would end zoning and unite The National Alliance, the Alliance Party of Kenya and the United Republican Party, as well as other parties’ supporters.