This archive report was first published on 16 August 2021.
As the 2022 presidential election draws near, the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) is facing a major challenge in identifying a flag bearer to face off against Deputy President William Ruto.
The four principals of OKA, Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Gideon Moi (KANU), and Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya), are currently meeting in Naivasha to resolve the impasse.
According to KANU Secretary General Nick Salat, the coalition should not ignore ODM leader Raila Odinga in their plans, citing his age as an easy way to transfer power to KANU's Gideon Moi.
Salat proposed a scenario where Odinga would be deputized by Moi for one term, after which Moi would hand over power to him.
However, Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo, a close ally of Kalonzo, argued that the criteria for picking a flag bearer should consider the number of elected leaders a party has in the current Parliament.
Maanzo pointed out that Kalonzo has more votes and elected leaders among the four principals, making him the most suitable candidate.
But Lugari MP Ayub Savula, ANC deputy party leader, argued that Mudavadi's Luhya backyard has more numbers compared to Kalonzo's Ukambani backyard, making Mudavadi the coalition's flag bearer.
Meanwhile, Ford-Kenya's Secretary General Hon. Chris Wamalwa revealed that the coalition has contracted local and international survey firms to gauge the popularity of the four principals, which will be used in picking the flag bearer.
ANC boss Musalia Mudavadi also revealed that the coalition has an eight-member technical committee which will present a progress report on OKA in Naivasha retreat.
