Co-principals of the One Kenya Alliance are at a crossroad over the plan to back former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with Musalia Mudavadi’s strongly opposing the proposal.
Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress allies are wary of Mudavadi’s ambition plummeting as either Kanu’s Gideon Moi or Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka would be chosen as Raila’s deputy in case OKA and Orange Democratic Alliance form an alliance.
Musyoka is in a pole position to be Raila’s running mate for the third time, after supporting him in 2013 and 2017, owing to regional balance. Mudavadi’s allies feared that Raila would ask Mudavadi to step down for Musyoka who hails from the Eastern region.
Although Mudavadi was running mate in the controversial 2007 General Election, his confidants stated that in 2022, having a candidate and a running mate from the same region would dent their hope of succeeding President Uhuru Kenyatta. Raila and Mudavadi come from the Nyanza-Western region.
The journey has just started not only for the coalition but constituent parties. Parties need to have elected governors, senators, Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assemblies.
"The meeting is a holistic approach," Mudavadi, on Monday, August 16, avoided addressing the issue prior to OKA retreat in Naivasha and argued that the meeting would discuss the alliance's constitution, logo and manifesto.
Kalonzo’s allies were also cagey with Raila’s prospective entry. They challenged him to give up his ambition and support one OKA member, especially Kalonzo who sacrificed for him twice.
"We do not want to get into another alliance where he will not win again. It is time for him to return the favour," Mulu Makali, Kitui Central MP challenged.
Raila, the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, is expected to address the nation on Tuesday, August 17, with key party allies stating that he would launch his presidential bid.
Kakamega Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya hinted that Odinga would also launch his meet the people tour. The Orange Democratic Movement leader has been silent on his ambition and whether he would attempt to run for office for the fifth time.
On Monday, August 16, he congratulated Zambia President-elect Hakainde Hichilema who won the race on his sixth attempt.
“Amidst an unprecedented public health challenge, the Zambian people have made Africa proud for conducting a successful election. And that it brings more prosperity to the people and reminds fellow Africans elsewhere that nothing is impossible. I wish you the best of luck in the days and years ahead," Raila stated in what analysts argued was not a congratulatory message but a hint that he also had not given up on his dream.
