'I am open to coalition talks with any group,' Speaker Muturi says on presidential bid

Speaker of the National Assembly Justin Muturi now says that coalitions are crucial in forming the next government come August presidential elections.

The Democratic Party leader stated that in the current Kenyan politics, no party can ascend to the highest office in its sole form, thus the recent mergers of political parties.

Speaking on his DP-Kenya’s political path, Muturi stated that he was open to joining forces with any of the coalitions in the country as long as they resonated with his party’s agenda for the nation.

“We are consulting with Kenyans to see who shares our ideals. We are working on forming coalitions,” Muturi said in an interview with KTN on Wednesday night.

“What each grouping stands for in regard to several issues on economic growth, adherence to rule of law, accountability and transparency in running for office; how each of these groups in my view has a bearing in the decision that I make.”

The National Assembly speaker rubbished claims that he was in talks with the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals after the Sunday fallout with ANC’s party leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wettangula. 

“I have always cautioned that let it be not an individual effort, the decision needs to be made by the party, individuals should not own parties, in fact, parties should own members. I can propose but mine should just be a proposal,” Muturi noted.

Muturi further exuded confidence that he had what it takes to clinch the presidency while dismissing claims that presence of other competitors such as Martha Karua and former Agriculture  CS Mwangi Kiunjuri who hails from the mount region would frustrate his bid.

“I speak for the mountain; I am not worried about competitors in the other regions of the mountain. I can say the competition is healthy. I will be running for the presidency on a DP’s ticket.” Muturi stated.

At the same time, Muturi implored Kenyans to turn up and register as voters in order to participate in choosing the leaders of the country.

“If you care about the governance and if you care about the future of the country, you have a sovereign duty to go register and vote,” he said.