Kaparo Seeks Local Support to Head UDM

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Asha Muktar

18 July 2011

Former National Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo held a meeting in Laikipia North district on Saturday to seek blessings from his community in his bid to seek top leadership of the UDM party. Though he did not formally announce that he will run for presidency on the party ticket, the former Speaker gave a strong hint that he would be on the race to State House next year.

He said he will invite Eldoret North MP William Ruto and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta to his ranch in Laikipia. “I have a big meeting at Naibor Ranch on August 5 and I am expecting Ruto and Uhuru to grace the occasion. It is at that meeting that we shall make a big statement,” Kaparo told the press when asked if he will vie for presidency on a UDM ticket. “We are moving to UDM since it is the party that will make us clinch the leadership of this country,” he told hundreds of people who had gathered at Twala Cultural Manyatta near Il Pole Shopping Centre.

Kaparo downplayed wrangles over UDM leadership saying an amicable solution will be found. Kaparo called on pastoralists to move to UDM. “I ask you pastoralists to migrate to a party that would benefit you. Do not sit back and wait to be the last to migrate when others have moved to promising parties. Let us be the drivers this time and not the passengers,” said Mr Kaparo.

He also urged politicians to form a party which is owned by all Kenyans and not individuals. “We are joining UDM because we think it will give our people and Kenyans free space. We have seen other parties headed by individuals who keep on threatening Kenyans while that kind of politics has no space in this country,” said Kaparo.

He said the aim of the Saturday meeting was to strategize on how the community will be involved in political parties in future. He said he is ready to work for Kenyans as he did during his 15 years as a Speaker.. “The last time I was in a political party was in 1993 and that was Kanu. Now that you have given me your blessings am ready to move ahead and work for you,” he told his supporters.

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