Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed secrets behind ongoing talks between the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) and Azimio La Umoja.
While addressing delegates of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Nairobi on Thursday, February 24, Kalonzo revealed the force behind unity talks between OKA and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as UDP party leader Cyrus Jirongo.
He stated that he nicknamed Jirongo as the rope man, citing his actions of bringing other leaders to OKA and pushing for a coalition agreement between their faction and Azimio La Umoja.
“One time before Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula left us, I nicknamed Jirongo Mr rope man. He would say that delegates want to know the presidential candidate. He could even be carrying a rope to bring people on board,” he stated.
During his speech, Kalonzo hinted at an agreement with ODM leader Raila Odinga stating that the two political outfits shared the same ideology.
He added that they were pushing for a structured formula where all parties would feel contented urging Kenyans and the media to be patient.
"We as OKA believe in the unity of the nation and Azimio seems to be singing the same song, but we are stressing honesty in engagement.
“What are you in a hurry to do? This time around we will get the equation right. Trust me so that this country will be forever free,” he stated.
In an attempt to bring Kalonzo and Raila together, the ODM boss revealed that Jirongo prevailed upon him to attend the meeting even if it was for 30 minutes despite his busy schedule.
“Jirongo looked for me yesterday [Wednesday] and he came to my office where he found me with guests. He wanted me to be the chief guest today. I told him that I had a lot of activities scheduled, however, he prevailed on me to come even for 30 minutes. Am I not here?” he posed.
Jirongo has been an influential figure in OKA. He was the first principal to disclose details of ongoing talks between the two teams during an OKA rally in Kakamega County.
At the rally, Jirongo issued demands that the OKA team was pushing for in the talks.
“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,” Jirongo stated.
