The National Super Alliance (NASA) is facing a looming crisis after two Governors allied to the coalition expressed their interest in vying for the country's Presidency in 2022.
Speaking at Karisa Maitha Grounds in Kilifi town, Mombasa Governor-elect Hassan Joho announced that he would vie for the Presidency in the next election after completing his term as governor.
Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi echoed Joho's remarks adding that he would also vie for the seat since it has always been his dream to have a president from the Coast region.
He, however, stated that consultations would be done between him and Joho after their swearing-in ceremonies to come up with the most suitable candidate.
“Although the late Ngala did not succeed in his efforts, Coast has another chance coming. I am officially declaring today that it is either me or my brother Joho who will be on the presidential ballot in 2022," he stated.
Joho reiterated Kingi's sentiments adding that the duo would make a declaration on their stand soon.
“What he has told you is true. We are so close and we all want to be in the same government in 2022. Expect a declaration from us soon,” he stated.
The announcement by the duo is set to create a crisis in NASA since a deal signed in April by the coalition partners stated that Opposition Leader Raila Odinga would be a one-term President and his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), would not be allowed to nominate a Presidential candidate in 2022.
Apart from that, NASA co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, and Moses Wetangula have all declared their interest in the country's top seat further complicating the matter.
Last month, Kalonzo announced that in 2022 he must be on the presidential ballot without any contention.
"Without hiding anything from you, Raila Odinga will occupy the presidency for five years and we have agreed... in writing, not like the previous arrangement which was neither here nor there.
"Now it is clearly agreed that Raila will help Kenya transit to the next level and in 2022 it will be Kalonzo Musyoka and no other story," he stated.
Mudavadi also expressed his interest in the seat with his team led by Kakamega Senator-elect Cleophas Malala noting that ANC will not accept anything less than its leader being the presidential candidate of NASA in 2022.
"We have resolved that Mudavadi will be on the presidential ballot paper in 2022. If any person wants to form a coalition with us, he/she should be ready to support Mudavadi," Malala stated.
Senator Wetangula on his part submitted that he had sacrificed enough for other contenders and that it was now his turn to be supported.
"I sacrificed my ambition to support Raila in the just concluded elections for the sake of opposition's unity. This was despite having launched my presidential bid.
"But because he won’t vie for the bigger seat, I will go for it in 2022," Wetang'ula stated.
Following the emerging declarations from various leaders, NASA could face a split in future where disgruntled politicians could defect to vie for the seat in different parties.
