Unveiling flag bearer work in progress, OKA now says

One Kenya Alliance Principals Senator Moses Wetangula, Kalonzo Musyoka and Baringo senator and Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi during a consultative meeting at Elementaita in Nakuru County on January 14, 2022. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The make-or-break talks on the modality of picking the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) flag bearer in the August 9 presidential race did not bear fruit.

Yesterday, three of the four principals who met at Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge in Nakuru County, stated that unveiling of their preferred presidential candidate was “work in progress.”

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula and Kanu national chair Gideon Moi promised to study the report handed to them by the technical committee before a decision is made.

The three leaders who addressed the media after meeting the committee that had prepared the document which was supposed to guide them on who was suitable to be the flag bearer, said they were not in a hurry.

The Saturday Standard established that the technical team failed to agree on the modality to pick the flag-bearer and handed over the report to the principals to make the decision.

This unfolded as ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi failed to show up at yesterday’s meeting only for the three to defend his absence, saying he had sent a representative.

Yesterday’s meeting was preceded by a three-day retreat by a technical committee that had been tasked with drafting a mechanism of settling the presidential candidate question and the structure of the OKA team.

The principals are now faced with an uphill task of settling on a candidate and keeping the alliance intact amid talk of overtures from Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“The technical committee is nearly there and very soon you will see white smoke. The agenda of unveiling flag bearer and the running mate is exclusive duty and preserve of OKA,” said Wetangula.

Wetangula said Kenyans should be patient with them adding that they will make the announcement when they are ready.

He said at the beginning of the year, they had announced that they will likely unveil their candidate by end of January and they still have time.

As OKA leaders, he said they will not unveil their candidate in a hotel.

Also present were leaders from the Mount

Kenya Unity Forum and the Democratic Party.

Martha Karua’s Narc Party was represented by Rosa Wangu, while Tujibebe Wakenya Party leader William Kabogo and former Tetu MP Ndungu Gethenji were present

Joseph Mathal and Anthony Kaara represented Speaker Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party.

Kalonzo said they are nearly there, and added that before the 2017 General Election, they unveiled the flag bearer on April 27.

“We know the political environment is getting fully charged and we are equal to the task. Where important decisions need to be taken, we will never shy away,” said Kalonzo

Kalonzo said since they have received a report from the technical team they will review it in the next few days.

The Wiper leader defended the absence of ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi saying he sent an able representation-his political strategist Godfrey Kanoti.

The ANC leader was also represented by Wetangula and a strong delegation that conveyed his strong sentiments about his support and commitment to OKA.

“I don’t think our brother Musalia is the kind of a person who would be wooed at night and not say it during the day. He says it as it is,” he said.

Gideon said unveiling flag bearer is a work in progress and it is working for OKA.

“It will be soon and it will be an exciting moment for Kenyans,” he said.

Kabogo said OKA has what it takes to conduct rallies and woo voters.

He said they only need a few days and they will be on the move.

They said the team is working on on a programme to popularise OKA as a people and not a personality-driven political alliance that responds to the needs of Kenyans.

The technical team said OKA is an alliance that brings together different political parties, so they will consult with their membership through their established party organs, and consider recommendations on selecting the flag bearer.

OKA called on Kenyans to register to vote. 

“Our doors are open to all and affirm our commitment to offer this country a leadership that is just and inclusive,” they said.