KANU Secretary General Nick Salat has announced the party’s decision to withdraw from political competition.
Addressing the press at the headquarters on Wednesday, Mr Salat stated that the party does not intend to take part in political contests that would cause division at a time the country’s leadership is focused on uniting Kenyans.
The party has also revealed that while it supports President Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership, its leadership is engaging other stakeholders in pushing for electoral reforms.
[caption caption="Senator Moi with Nick Salat"]
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“KANU believes that the present election laws, the election management systems under the Independent electoral and boundaries commission are not properly constituted to hold free and fair elections that meet the constitutional threshold,
“In this regard, KANU is focused on the 2022 General Election and will only participate in that process after comprehensive electoral reforms that will guarantee free and fair elections.” added Mr Salat.
He added that the party had also decided not to field a candidate for the Baringo South by-election.
Mr Salat noted the party would not field an alternative candidate accusing Jubilee party of compromising their ideal candidate, Mr Charles Kamuren to abandon the party.
The party further expressed regret in Mr Kamuren’s decision, accusing Jubilee of having rigged him out of the 2013 election.
“We regret that he has chosen to work with the same people who caused him anguish by manipulating and corrupting the electoral process that rigged him out in 2013 and 2017 elections.” added Mr Salat.
KANU, however, indicated that Mr Kamuren remained their preferred their candidate, given he had only lost by three votes in the previous election. Salat stated that the party will support him represent the Baringo South residents as he had not officially resigned.
[caption caption="Raila Odinga during visit to former President Moi's home "]
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He asserted that both Jubilee and KANU leadership intended to support the late Grace Kipchoim’s family member to contest for the parliamentary seat, but Jubilee changed tune to pick on Mr Kamuren.
The announcement comes a few hours after it emerged that KANU had reached out to ODM party leader Raila Odinga on possible formation of an alliance ahead of the 2022 election.
