Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka would have to negotiate for a key role should he join the Kenya Kwanza coalition, United Democratic Alliance has revealed.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Tuesday, May 17, UDA Secretary General Veronica Maina noted that the Wiper party leader would have extensive talks with the Kenya Kwanza principals to agree on a slot as the coalition is still open to discussions.
She, however, ruled out that the top-tier positions would not be on the table as they had already been decided upon.
"He would have to come and do a discussion with the Kenya Kwanza coalition partners because he has delayed his decision and the presidential candidate and running mate are very clear and the names submitted to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as per the legal timelines."
"So, if he came in now, yes he would negotiate because Kenya Kwanza is an open coalition that is still listening to other partners who would want to work with us before and after the election. Yes, he would have a chance to negotiate but not on the top tier slots, those are already closed, maybe at different levels," Veronica Maina affirmed.
Kalonzo's bid to sever ties with the Azimio coalition and run for the presidency brought to the fore questions around the Political parties Act which binds the Wiper party to the coalition.
Brenda Mdivo, a lawyer, revealed to Kenyans.co.ke that Kalonzo's options were limited but he still had a slim chance to vie for the top seat.
"He had made arrangements to leave Azimio, but he can exit and vie for the presidency as an independent. If he seeks to vie under Wiper, his only hope is for the party to extricate themselves through the court procedure."
"For him to make this a reality, he has a few weeks before the IEBC shares the list of successful candidates with political parties and stakeholders," According to IEBC timelines, the deadline is set for Friday, June 10.
The lawyer, however, pointed out that Kalonzo's Wiper party could not join Kenya Kwanza as it is still tied to Azimio under the Act.
"The difference is that Azimio is a coalition party so politicians can join as an individual as opposed to Kenya Kwanza which is a coalition of parties," she stated.
According to Steve Ogolla, an Advocate of the High Court, Kalonzo's Wiper party already endorsed Odinga as the Azimio presidential flag-bearer.
"Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka cannot lawfully be permitted to run for President. Wiper Party is part of Azimio-One Kenya Coalition Party.
"In short, Wiper already nominated Raila Odinga as its presidential flag bearer. They cannot have a second bite at the cherry," Ogolla explained.
