The race to replace President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya has taken a new twist with the announcement of a new alliance within his ruling party to push for a democratic vote to choose the party's next presidential candidate.

We aim to forge a multi-ethnicity approach within Kanu that aims to have a wider national appeal

Raila Odinga

The move is seen as an attempt by senior members of the ruling Kanu party to block President Moi's choice of a successor - Local Government minister, Uhuru Kenyatta, son of the first President, Jomo Kenyatta.

Presidential elections are due to be held in December this year.

President Moi is required by the constitution to stand down at the end of his second five-year term.

Our correspondent in Nairobi says this sort of public challenge to Mr Moi would have been unthinkable even a few months ago. But now the president has made it clear he is stepping down, the gloves are coming off.

Rainbow alliance

The new alliance was launched by Kanu's vice-president George Saitoti, secretary general Raila Odinga and former party boss Joseph Kamotho, the Kenyan daily, Daily Nation, reported on Tuesday.

Kanu candidates

Uhuru Kenyatta (Local Government Minister) Raila Odinga (Energy Minister) Musalia Mudavadi (Transport Minister) Kalonzo Musyoka (Information and Tourism Minister) Katana Ngala (Lands Minister

"We aim to forge a multi-ethnicity approach within Kanu that aims to have a wider national appeal," Mr Odinga is reported to have told the paper.

His remarks left him on a collision course with attempts by President Moi, who is also the Kanu chairman, to present Mr Kenyatta as the ruling party's candidate.

The Daily Nation reported that the alliance, to be known as the "Kanu rainbow alliance" was formed in a Nairobi hotel.

It quotes Vice President George Saitoti as telling reporters to "watch my steps" after emerging from the meeting.

Raila Odinga wants the Kanu nomination

George Saitoti and Joseph Kamotho were demoted from their powerful party posts when Kanu and Mr Odinga's NDP merged in March.

Three other senior ministers in Moi's government are also seeking the party's nomination.

President Moi has recently been out and about in Kenya campaigning in favour of Mr Kenyatta.

But his move has been met with opposition in at least three provinces where Kanu leaders have asked President Moi to let the party nominate its presidential candidate.