One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals have issued fresh demands to their Azimio La Umoja counterparts over a possible coalition agreement ahead of the August 9 polls.
While addressing a rally in Kakamega County on Saturday, February 12, Cyrus Jirongo revealed that there were ongoing talks with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s Azimio and President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee party.
Jirongo stated that OKA was pushing to have one of its principals named the presidential candidate, explaining that they were a strong force to reckon with. This, according to Jirongo, is one of the conditions that must be met if the two coalitions are to work together.
“As we are here as OKA, talks are ongoing with the Azimio team and we are also talking with the Jubilee Party. We shall talk to them, however, we are not afraid and nobody will bully us.
"When we sit at the negotiation table, we shall push to have the presidential candidate come from OKA,” he stated.
Additionally, Jirongo stated that parties in OKA were holding their National Executive Council (NECs) meetings to discuss details of the deal. He stated that they were ready to partner with Azimio in a bid to block Deputy President William Ruto from ascending to power.
“OKA does not have secrets. For us, we do not visit people's houses at night. When we want to do something, we do it openly.
“This week Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka held his party's NEC and he told them that we cannot support one candidate because if we give him the opportunity, it shall not be well for the country,” he expressed.
His sentiments were echoed by KANU party leader, Senator Gideon Moi, who stated that they would give Kenyans more details on the deal once discussions are concluded. He insisted that working with Ruto was not an option for the coalition.
“At this moment, we are holding talks with other leaders and you know who I am talking about. Give us the opportunity to hold negotiations with like-minded parties and then we will give way forward. You all know where we can't dare go,” he stated.
The fresh demands by OKA come after President Kenyatta on February 11, publicly stated that the Jubilee Party would back the candidature of Raila.
“And because some were politicking while work was ongoing, we have said we want a coalition unit of like-minded parties and together we join Azimio. We have the candidate, we have the resources and the youth are together with us," the Head of State stated.
