Marsabit leaders unveil party to push for Uhuru's second term

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri (left) joins Frontier Alliance Party leader Ukur Yatani in launching the party's manifesto at Moi Girls High School in Marsabit County on April 29, 2017. Mr Yatani said the party has endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Kiunjuri also said that Jubilee Party will not give preference to its aspirants in Marsabit at the expense of those in Fap.
  • Governor Yatani said Fap is a national outfit and it also aims at fostering the interest of pastoralist communities.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri has urged supporters of the Frontier Alliance Party (Fap) to ensure that President Uhuru Kenyatta is re-elected in this year's elections.

Mr Kiunjuri also said that Jubilee Party will not give preference to its aspirants in Marsabit County at the expense of those in Fap.

Fap was changed from Saba Saba Asili that was led by Kenneth Matiba.

The leaders are as follows: Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani (leader), Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton (deputy party leader), Moyale MP Roba Duba (chairman), North Horr MP Chachu Ganya (Secretary General) and Joe Kanguchu (Organising Secretary).

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri (left), Frontier Alliance Party leader Ukur Yatani (center) and deputy party leader Joseph Lekuton spearhead the launch of the party at Moi Girls High School in Marsabit on April 29, 2017. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Governor Yatani joined Fab after decamping from ODM, which is led by Mr Raila Odinga.

Mr Yatani said they had a pact with Jubilee Party to participate in the formation of the next government after elections.

NO FAVOURITES

Speaking during the launch at Moi Girls High School in Marsabit town, Mr Kiunjuri said he had been sent by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto to show their support for the outfit.

"The Jubilee government has done a lot of development in Marsabit including completion of the Isiolo-Moyale highway, security, construction of the stadium among others. The government intends to unite Kenyans through development," Mr Kiunjuri said.

Regarding Fab, he said: "I came here as the President’s messenger to inform you that Fap is a sister party to Jubilee.

"When the President comes to campaign here, he will work with both parties as a team. We want the best team to win.

"Jubilee Party aspirants in Marsabit will not be given preference by the president or his deputy."

Mr Kiunjuri took a swipe at the National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders saying they have no chance against Jubilee in the August elections.

NASA NO MATCH FOR JP

He claimed that Nasa - which comprises ODM, ANC (led by Musalia Mudavadi), Wiper Democratic Party (Kalonzo Musyoka), Ford-Kenya (Moses Wetang'ula) and Chama Cha Mashinani (Isaac Ruto) - had lost popularity in many counties including Marsabit, Samburu and Wajir.

Governor Yatani, accompanied by more than 15 MCA, parliamentary and senate aspirants, said Fap is a national outfit and it also aims at fostering the interest of pastoralist communities.

"This is a historic day for Northern Kenya and the pastoralist communities. We have been assured by the President that we will form the next government alongside Jubilee Party.

"We thank the President for supporting Fap and agreeing to a partnership," Mr Yatani said.

A member of Frontier Alliance Party holds the party's manifesto aloft during its launch at Moi Girls High School in Marsabit on April 29, 2017. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

RAILA FORSAKEN

He further said that this time round a huge chunk of Marsabit voters will back Jubilee, as opposed to ODM as it were in the 2013 polls.

The county boss disclosed what is in Fap's bucket list: to advance policies and programmes that mainstream the pastoral economy, ensure residents gain from natural resources (for example oil) and address challenges such as food security.

Mr Yatani alleged that drought in Northern Kenya was exacerbated by inadequate resource allocations.

Mr Lekuton, the deputy party leader, said all aspirants whether in Jubilee or Fap stand an equal chance of winning in the polls.

"Fap is also part of Jubilee. Jubilee aspirants should not boast because we all have equal support from the president," Mr Lekuton, who is seeking a fourth term as Laisamis MP, said.

The party received President Kenyatta's approval last month after Mr Yatani led a host of leaders to State House where they pledged to support his re-election.