KENYA: Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki names new alliance as he launches re-election bid

Record ID: 362140

  • Title: KENYA: Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki names new alliance as he launches re-election bid
  • Date: 17th September 2007
  • Summary: (BN12) NAIROBI, KENYA (SEPTEMBER 16, 2007) (REUTERS) PEOPLE APPLAUDING AS KENYA'S PRESIDENT MWAY KIBAKI WALKS TO PODIUM PEOPLE TAKING THEIR SEATS
  • Embargoed: 2nd October 2007 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Kenya
  • Country: Kenya
  • Topics: Domestic Politics,People
  • Reuters ID: LVA1X92LML3Y113TO31VMNOXS6C1
  • Story Text: Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki has launched his bid for re-election in Kenya's December elections and unveiled a new political alliance.
    Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki launched his re-election campaign on Sunday (September 16), unveiling a new political alliance to fight a December poll for the leadership of east Africa's largest economy.
    "We have decided to form an alliance of political parties who believe that we should give highest priority to the welfare of individual Kenyans, peace, unity and development of our country." he said in a live address.
    The veteran 75-year-old politician, who took power in 2002 on another now defunct coalition, is leading opinion polls.
    "I have decided that I will seek re-election as president of the republic of Kenya under an alliance that we have named - The Party of National Unity," Kibaki added.
    Flanked by allies and cheered by crowds outside, Kibaki listed achievements in his first term as free primary education, health improvements, and road construction.
    "The members of this alliance shall include - KANU, FORD-KENYA, FORD-PEOPLE, NARC-KENYA AND SHIRIKISHO, amongst others," he said.
    Kibaki had been without a party since the demise last year of the National Rainbow Coalition, which gave him victory five years ago after the 24-year rule of President Daniel arap Moi.
    Though mud was tossed at Moi the day he handed over power, Kibaki was once his vice-president for a decade and the pair have grown closer again in the last two years. Last month, Moi endorsed Kibaki's re-election bid.
    The official leader of the opposition, Uhuru Kenyatta, has also pledged support. He was at Kibaki's side on Sunday.
    Kibaki faces a formidable threat from opposition front-runner Raila Odinga, who heads the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
    In the most recent national opinion poll, Kibaki, who has Kenya's largest tribe, the Kikuyu, behind him, led with 42 percent, versus 26 percent for Odinga.
    After his speech Kibaki was to head straight to Odinga's Luo tribe heartland in western Kenya for three days.
    Another opposition candidate not to be dismissed is Kalonzo Musyoka, a lawyer and former foreign minister heading the Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya (ODM-K).
    Odinga and Musyoka split last month even though all analysts said their best chance of unseating Kibaki was to stay together and put up one candidate.
    Although Libaki is popular for free primary education and good economic growth, voters criticise him for failing to stem graft or improve pot-holed roads and other infrastructure.
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