FINALLY. OKA ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE THEIR FLAG BEARER

One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principals meet today to consider a report on the outfit’s possible presidential candidate.

They will converge after their technical team hands over a report detailing various scenarios on who among the principals, in Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Gideon Moi, is best suited to be the OKA flagbearer in the August 9 polls.

The technical committee comprises Nambale MP Sakwa Bunyasi, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja representing Mudavadi.

Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Fafi MP Abdikarim Ousman who represent Kalonzo while Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and Ford Kenya Organising Secrtary Mandu Mandu represent Wetangula.

Tiaty MP William Kamket on the other hand represents Moi.

Sources who attended the committee’s meeting told People Daily that the technical team had prepared a report on possible scenarios on who is best suited to take on Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga in the August polls.

The technical committee has been meeting since Wednesday in Naivasha and the principals are expected to join them today.

“The principals are expected to join us this evening (yesterday). We will share with them the report on who should be the Presidential candidate.

They will then decide when to unveil the candidate,” said the source.

Regional representation

The committee, according to the source, considered each candidate’s numbers, availability of resources, regional representation and negotiating skills of the principals eyeing the presidential ticket.

Last year, during a meeting of the principals and the technical committee, Mudavadi rooted for scientific method to pick the flagbearer while Kalonzo banked on seniority and past records.

Multiple sources, some of the leaders are arguing that picking the flagbearer using the scientific root could open room for manipulation especially from political foes to pick the weakest candidate.

Malalah had even proposed to the team that the principals find an nternational firm that will conduct a research between Mudavadi and Kalonzo on who has what it takes to carry the OKA flag.

On Wednesday, Ukambani politicians led by Ukambani governors Charity Ngilu, Kivutha Kibwana and Alfred Mutua challenged Raila to come out clear on whether he prefers to work with them or with Kalonzo.

The widening rift was apparent when two groups addressed parallel press conferences, one in Nairobi and the other in Machakos.

In Nairobi, Senators allied to Kalonzo said the Wiper leader will not ditch the OKA coalition for Azimio La Umoja.

Senators Mutula, Wambua and Agnes Kavindu (Kitui) said that Kalonzo was not at war with the three governors are spearheading Azimio interests in the region and further dismissed claims that their party leader was planning to abandon his presidential bid.

“Kalonzo is our leader and the community will take direction from him not any other individual or group,” stated Kilonzo.

The Kamba community, they said, was well known for speaking with one voice on political matters and this year will not be different.

“We urged the community to stay united despite spirited efforts divide us. This call comes to all members of our community from every corner of the country. We should not allow a few disgruntled elements to divide us,” said the senators.

But speaking in Machakos, the governors asked Raila to set the record straight on whether he will accommodate his two-time running mate or they chart the way forward for the community.

By People Daily