Bumpy road: OKA coalition pact delayed by legal issues

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi addresses the press on March 2, 2022 at SKM Command centre in Karen, flanked by One Kenya Alliance (OKA) principles, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc-Kenya's Martha Karua and United Democratic Party leader Cyrus Jirongo (right).[Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

One Kenya Alliance (OKA) has for the second time postponed signing of a coalition agreement to early next week over what the principals cited as legal issues.

The postponement came a day after Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s statement on Tuesday that ODM leader Raila Odinga had reneged on a 2017 pact where he was to support his running mate this year. Mr Kalonzo, one of the OKA principals, had insisted that it was now time for Mr Raila to support him.

Although the signing of the agreement was expected to be finalised on Wednesday, the principals, Kalonzo, Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Cyrus Jirongo stood in unity yesterday at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka Command Centre where the Narc-Kenya leader affirmed that the coalition’s foundation is solid.

“We were to sign our coalition agreement today but we have postponed it to polish certain legal issues that have arisen. Nevertheless, we are committed to our unity and in a few days we will let you know the time we will be signing the agreement,” said Karua.

This is the second time in less than a week that OKA has postponed signing of the agreement, which was to be finalised by Monday.

“The best legal minds are working on it (the agreement) and have assured us that by the end of this week they will be done and we’ll be good to go,” said Senator Moi.

Karua added that OKA is still open to receive any parties that would want to form a partnership for the purpose of “achieving our objective of being able to form a government alone or with others in order to fulfill the urgent need of Kenyans.”

Things are heating up fast in OKA as the coalition engages in parallel talks with Jubilee and ODM over what Kalonzo has called Azimio-One Kenya Alliance grand coalition.

“These are delicate moments, but not difficult,” said Kalonzo.

The principals explained that the signing of the agreement on grand coalition would only come after OKA finalises its own official agreement. Speaking with The Standard, Kalonzo stated that OKA would not be swallowed by Azimio but would be an equal partner.