National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) party leader, Okiya Omtatah, has ruled out joining the Kenya Kwanza alliance led by President-elect William Ruto.
Speaking on Friday, September 9 in an interview on Spice FM, the Busia Senator explained that his party only resolved to support the government in upholding the rule of law and abiding by the Constitution while executing its mandate.
He argued that his party ideologies did not align with those of Kenya Kwanza compelling it to remain independent.
Omtatah further clarified that NRA did not enter into any agreement with Azimio la Umoja. According to the renowned activist, his party only supported Raila Odinga's candidature.
"We are going to work with the government of the day where it is faithful to the laws and Constitution of Kenya. And we are not joining Kenya Kwanza, he stated.
"After discussing with my party members, we have agreed we maintain our autonomy. This is where we stand. If Azimio has an agenda that serves the country, we will support it," Omtatah added.
Reports of joining Kenya Kwanza became rife after he threw his weight behind Amason Kingi in the Senate speaker's race.
Defending his decision to vote when a section of Azimio senators boycotted the process, Omtatah disclosed that he participated in the exercise after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew his candidature on the voting floor.
Omtatah further argued that Kingi met all the thresholds outlined by the senate clerk and thus deserved his support.
"I looked at the CVs and I saw that Kingi had a track record having served as an MP, minister and governor. Plus I saw that (Azimio walking out) was a situation of wasting time," he stated.
In his role as social defender, Okiya noted that he would hold the government accountable and pressure it to address the economic issue within the first 100 days in office.
He, however, made it clear that he would not be a hindrance to Ruto's bid to implement policies that will steer his development agenda.
His sentiments came hours after Azimio la Umoja's running mate Martha Karua accused Ruto of plotting to obliterate the opposition.
"This is a deliberate and sustained offensive to decimate the opposition and return the country to a de facto one-party state," Karua claimed.
