This archive report was first published on 20 December 2021.
On December 19, 2021, Moses Wetangula, the leader of Ford Kenya and co-principal of the One Kenya Alliance (OKA), made a pledge to Kenyans at a rally in Thika. He assured them that if their coalition clinched the presidency in 2022, they would offer free university education.
Wetangula's statement was made alongside co-principals Musalia Mudavadi of Amani National Congress (ANC), Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper Party, and Gideon Moi of Kenya African National Union (KANU).
“Just as Kibaki introduced free primary education, we shall stretch it further to University,” Wetangula said, referencing the third President Mwai Kibaki's introduction of free primary education.
The OKA government, according to Wetangula, would prioritize quality and affordable healthcare for all Kenyans through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). He stated that they would make it affordable for the 'mama mboga' and ensure that everyone has medical covers under the NHIF to access quality healthcare at an affordable rate.
Wetangula also claimed to be the chief peacemaker who invited mediators during the post-election violence in 2007. He mentioned that he brought in Koffi Annan, Jakaya Kikwete, and John Kuffuor to help restore peace.
At the same rally, Kalonzo Musyoka asked President Uhuru Kenyatta and former premier Raila Odinga to absent themselves from politics ahead of the 2022 General Elections. He stated, “When our friend Uhuru Kenyatta goes home next year, he needs to tag along with his partner Raila Odinga. I and my friends in OKA have not fallen out with anyone. We’ll ensure the country is heading in the right direction.”
It's worth noting that Raila Odinga had previously promised to offer an entirely free package of education from nursery to university during his tour in Trans Nzoia on November 20, 2021.
