• "The two have supporters across the country. A coalition government is the only way to ensure all supporters feel the warmth of a government of the day," Mukirae said.
• He said the move will not only nourish communal harmony among Kenyans who voted for their favourite candidates but also fight regionalism and casteism.
Image: ANDREW KASUKU:
A Central Kenya official of former ruling party Kanu has called for formation of a government of national unity between UDA and Azimio La Umoja.
The call comes after the dispute between four commissioners of the IEBC and their chairman Wafula Chebukati over the August 9 presidential polls tally.
Mt Kenya regional Kanu chairman Njunge Mukirae says President-elect William Ruto and Raila Odinga should go beyond their personal interests and think about the country.
He spoke to the media in Kikuyu on Thursday.
The veteran politician said only a coalition government can enhance a feeling of loyalty, cohesion, peace and tranquility in the country.
"The two have supporters across the country. They cannot be underrated. A coalition government is the only way to ensure all supporters feel the warmth of a government of the day.
"I think the two leaders should explore the formation of a government of national unity as was the case in 2008 popularly known as Nusu Mkate, instead of subjecting Kenyans to court cases with weeks of uncertainties," he said.
The chairman said the move will not only nourish communal harmony among Kenyans who voted for their favourite candidates but also fight regionalism and casteism.
Mukirae said the country is undergoing numerous pressing challenges such as high cost of living, unemployment and drought, which are likely to be worsened by the standoff between the two coalitions.
He said in the interest of national development and peaceful coexistence, patriotism and stability of the country, outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta should broker negotiations between the two sides.
"When Uhuru advocated for inclusivity in the now defunct Building Bridges Initiative, he had foreseen the scenario we are facing today.
"We urge him to broker peace and reconciliation between the two lest the country plunges into retrogression," Mukirae said.
The chairman said there are those who voted and also those who didn't vote because most probably they were undecided, plus the general populace who need peace and a sense of representation.
"Kenyans are crying for peace and the two leaders ought to listen to them and shelve their personal interests for their sake," he said.
Mukirae also outlined factors that promote national unity and rule of law as equal distribution of national resources and freedom of movement besides even representation at the National Assembly and the Senate.
On Monday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Ruto as the president-elect.
However, on Tuesday, Raila rejected the results and termed Chebukati's announcement of Ruto as president- elect a nullity, vowing to seek legal redress at the Supreme Court.
The IEBC boss declared Ruto the winner with 7,176,141 votes (50.49%), which met the presidential election threshold of 50+1% against Raila's 6,942,930 (48.85%).
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)