NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 23 – Martha Karua-led Mount Kenya Unity Forum and One Kenya Alliance (OKA) leaders have hinted at a possibility of an alliance ahead of the 2022 General Election.
This follows a consultative meeting held on Tuesday on teaming up for a single ticket in the presidential election in what pundits say may prove to be a game-changer in next year’s election.
In what is likely to throw leading lights in the presidential election-Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga-off balance, the leaders are said to be keen to front a presidential candidate and a deputy from Western Kenya and Central respectively.
“OKA and Mt Kenya Unity Forum have started a journey of moving together and we have had a very fruitful meeting this morning, we only can urge tell Kenyans to watch this space, ” said Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya, one of the parties in OKA.
The other OKA leaders present include Amani National Congress (ANC) Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Party), Gideon Moi (KANU).
Other National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo among others.
Sources say the group is keen to have Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi as the presidential candidate, deputised by Karua.
Karua who is the forum’ chairperson stated that they are keen to unite the country by forming a formidable alliance that will bring change.
“We came together to explore possibilities of working together. We belong to Kenya and none of us can do it alone,” Karua stated.
With the high-stake election nine months away, political realignments in the country are fast taking shape as leaders position themselves to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta who is serving his second and final term.
Karua has been touted to be a potential running mate and a section of leaders have since endorsed her even as she continues to downplay the endorsements noting that none of the presidential contenders have approached her.
Odinga is also said to be eyeing Karua as his preferred running mate.
The former Justice Minister and Gichugu MP has, however, maintained that she is focused on the Kirinyaga gubernatorial race.
Senator Wetangula who spoke on behalf of the OKA principals noted that the meeting was primarily hinged on forging unity and possibly forming a formidable alliance that will form the next administration.
“We have started a journey of moving together and we have had a very fruitful meeting and more meetings will follow and we can only urge Kenyans to watch this space,” he said.
KANU’s Gideon Moi who has also set his sights on succeeding President Kenyatta noted that the leaders were keen to have a united Kenya.
“Dialogue is central to aligning our vision for the nation and building consensus on how best to forge a country of cohesion, equality and rapid economic development,” he said.
Other leaders who want to succeed President Kenyatta include Deputy President William Ruto, Wiper’s Kalonzo, Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria, business mogul Jimi Wanjigi and former Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Mukhisa Kituyi.
