Kanu picks new team to drive agenda ahead of poll in 2022

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi (centre) with other officials at the party headquarters in Nairobi yesterday. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi yesterday unveiled a new team to boost the party's nationwide influence as it prepares for the 2022 elections. 

The team to be chaired by Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio will take key management decisions on party affairs, including articulation of party policies and nationwide grassroots engagements.

In the coming months, the team will also undertake a re-evaluation of the party’s existing structures across the country.  

A statement released at the end of the party's National  Executive Committee meeting at its headquarters indicated a looming shakeup of dormant party structures to accommodate disadvantaged groups such as the youth, women and minority groups.

“Kanu national chairman has constituted the party’s standing committee whose cardinal mandate will be to oversee the management of party affairs henceforth. This decision was informed by the party’s resolve to embark on revitalising its countrywide structures through grassroots engagement with the people,” Kanu announced in a statement signed by Mr Poghisio.

“As we enter this crucial phase as a party, we want to reaffirm to our members and Kenyans at large that we will roll out a comprehensive plan of activities and outreach programmes that will shape our national political discourse,” the party said.

Other committee members are Elizabeth Kimkung (vice-chairman), nominated Senator Abshiro Halake, party Secretary-General Nick Salat.

Also in the committee are Joseph Towett, George Wainaina, Aluoch Joshua, Bafadhil Abdirahman, Kivuvani Edward and Waka Job.

The move is an indication that Kanu is already in full flight mode ahead of the 2022 elections.

As part of its growing political role ahead of the elections, the independence party recently signed a coalition agreement with the ruling Jubilee party.

Under the agreement, Kanu will support President Uhuru Kenyatta's agenda inside and outside Parliament.  

The coalition agreement came in the wake of fallout in Jubilee that led to Deputy President William Ruto's allies being pushed out of House leadership positions. Among those that lost their positions were Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen who was replaced by Poghisio as Majority Leader.

Mr Salat said the party is in negotiation with its coalition partner to ensure that its members are placed in powerful House teams where they can influence national agenda.

Ms Hakale said Kanu has members with the necessary experience and background to provide leadership in House committees.

“The reason members want to be in strategic places is so that we can have the right people at the right place so that we can continue supporting the president,” said Hakale.

Tiaty MP William Kamket said the party chairman will spearhead the initiative.

The lawmaker also hit out at allies of DP Ruto for disrespecting Uhuru and singled out Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.

“Sudi has formed a habit of abusing the president. We know the pain that he is going through. However, we would like to inform those abusing the president that their political futures are going down as those of Kanu go up,” said Mr Kamket.