Kanu and United Republican Party leaders to meet at fundraiser

 

BARINGO: Kanu and United Republican Party leaders are likely to renew their political rivalry in Rift Valley region this weekend when they meet at a fundraiser.

A list of invited guests, seen by The Standard, shows that Deputy President William Ruto and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi are among leaders invited to the fundraiser in aide of Kaptumo Africa Inland Church.

Ezekiel arap Namba, one of the event organisers, yesterday said Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, his nominated counterpart Zipporah Kittony and area MP Sammy Mwaita were among those who had confirmed their attendance.

But, the Deputy President's Communication Director David Mugonyi said his boss will be attending another function in Marsabit County and that he was not aware of the fundraiser in Baringo.

Mr Namba appealed to the leaders who will be attending the function to put their political differences aside and pray together.

FORGET POLITICS

"We urge the leaders to put politics in the back-burner and join residents in our Sunday worship as well as the fundraiser for construction of a new church building," he said.

Ruto's URP party has been fighting an onslaught of the former ruling party Kanu, which has been trying to re-brand and sell itself as an alternative political vehicle for politicians in the region come 2017.

Just recently, Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat was in Nandi County where he announced that the party will conduct massive recruitment of members targeting youth under the clarion call "Kanu fresh".

"Currently, we are consolidating our base in the Rift Valley and will soon have party leadership led by Chairman Gideon Moi visit Kisumu to meet our supporters," Salat said.

Kanu's renewed energy and ambition is informed by URP's decision to join the new Jubilee Alliance Party outfit that has caused division within a section of URP leaders led by Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto.