Uhuru’s Ukambani tour with Raila, Kalonzo shows how keen he is to ensure NASA re-unites

By Mourice Seretta

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday toured Ukambani region accompanied by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

By tagging along Raila in his development tour or the Lower Eastern region, it is a clear indication that the President is keen to ensure that the leaders of the now defunct National Super Alliance (NASA) re-unite ahead of the 2022 general elections, weeks after he said he will endorse a NASA candidate to succeed him.

That was also compounded by the fact that Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, one of the NASA Principals, was also present during the president’s tour.

“If as Ukambani you will work together and stay united the way the Mt Kenya region is doing, then I have no doubt you will be part of the next government,” Uhuru said in an earlier meeting with a section of Ukambani leaders at State House Nairobi.

“Steve (Kalonzo), listen to your people and what they are saying. Unite in Nasa then we shall see what will happen. Whatever you will agree on is what I will go with,” the President further said in that State House meeting.

The meeting was seen as crucial in thrashing out sticking personal issues between Raila and Kalonzo, especially after the Wiper boss vowed never to back the ODM boss again.

Speaking at the Thwake dam where he held an inspection tour, Uhuru while gesturing at Raila and Kalonzo, said he was happy with the unity he was seeing.

The President’s remarks affirmed the succession plans that involve having all the Nasa chiefs work together in one alliance to take on Deputy President William Ruto in next year’s polls.

There were speculations that President Uhuru had on Thursday held a meeting with Raila and Kalonzo amid NASA coalition funds row.

A number of Cabinet Secretaries and top government officials hailing from the region were also present.

Also on the trip are governors Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni) and Kitui’s Charity Ngilu.

“We appreciate that you have come to launch and inspect projects in our region. We assure you that no petty politics will disrupt these projects. We are all united as leaders,” Governor Kibwana said.

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