By Linah Benyawa

Water minister Charity Ngilu has hit out at the new coalition that agreed on Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta as its presidential candidate, terming it a waste of time.

Ngilu dismissed the move by the politicians behind the coalition, arguing the said leaders do not have the interests of Kenyans at heart other than satisfying their interests.

Not quitting ODM

“When leaders form coalitions rarely have development agendas in their hearts and such leaders should not be voted for come the General Election,” pointed out Ngilu.

She was speaking in Changamwe Mombasa County while officiating the opening of the National Rainbow Coalition Office in the area.

Leaders of the Party of National Unity (PNU) the Alliance Party of Kenya (APK), the Grand National Union (GNU) and The National Alliance (TNA) came up with what they termed as “unity agreement” after more than two hours of talks at the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The pact signed by Uhuru (TNA), Kiraitu Murungi (APK), Amos Kimunya (PNU) and Mwangi Kiunjuri (GNU) takes effect immediately.

But Ngilu strongly differed with the move warning Kenyans that good leadership was not about coalitions but individuals who were ready to offer services to Kenyans.

“I don’t think forming coalitions will sort out problems faced by Kenyans, one strong and dedicated leader can transform the country to great heights,” she added.

The Narc party leader who was accompanied by Mutitu MP, Kiema Kilonzo, hinted she could be running for the presidency come next year, saying that she had done it before and didn’t see the reason why she shouldn’t vie again.

And though she said that Narc would sponsor a presidential candidate, Ngilu did not disclose if she would be that person stating that she was still in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and had no intention of quitting it just yet. She said the country needed a change in leadership, saying fresh leaders would ensure the citizens were economically empowered.

 

 

 

She said Narc would have a delegates meeting later on this month to discuss the party’s agenda and strategy.

On the other hand, a faction led by Ogutu Olal, who also claims to be the party chairman in the constituency, wants the party to use only voters’ cards and national identity cards.

Ogina argued that they had registered members of the party in all parts of the constituency and hoped valid ODM members have party cards.

“We had carried out registration of members in all the 36 Sub-locations in Ndhiwa and I believe genuine ODM members must be in possession of the part cards,” Ogina said.

Elsewhere, Mary Ojode, who is running for the seat, asked voters to think of what is good for Ndhiwa before they vote.  “I understand the priorities and I promise to take it on from where my late husband left.   You can bank on my promise to deliver,” she said.

Residents told The Standard they expected ODM to use voters’ and the national identity cards to allow the majority to participate.