In politics, URP leader William Ruto on Wenesday declared that he is not interested in being anyone’s running mate and that URP will contest the next election as an independent entity. Despite earlier claims that Eldoret North MP William Ruto will be Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidential running mate things are not rosy as it is thought in the alliance.
Mr Uhuru of The National Alliance (TNA) and Mr Ruto of United Republican Party (URP) are locked in a major battle over the sharing of the 22 cabinet slots in a coalition they plan to announce by the end of the month.
According to an MP close to the two leaders, the URP is demanding 11 of the 22 slots and the National Assembly Speaker’s position for the party’s Chairman, Mr Francis Ole Kaparo.
Mr Ruto’s negotiating team wants Mr Kenyatta to share the seats set aside for TNA with New Ford Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa and Water Minister Charity Ngilu of Narc.
“Our interest is clear; we are negotiating on a 50-50 basis. Narc and New Ford Kenya belongs to TNA .Our negotiations are based on each party’s worth. So what TNA gets, they will have to share with their friends, for us we are talking as URP and we have no extra load on us,” said Belgut MP Charles Keter.
“Eugene and Charity are talking directly to Uhuru Kenyatta. They have been holding negotiations for a long time. We only come in when their deal is done.”Keter added.
Apart from 11 slots, TNA will also get the slot of a senate speaker.
Ruto’s statement is likely to cast doubt on the proposed alliance with Uhuru Kenyatta’s TNA.
video courtesy ntv
