This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
Leaders of the Okoa Kenya Alliance (OKA) have announced plans to choose their presidential candidate in February, amidst internal divisions and criticism for their slow pace in selecting a candidate.
According to the leaders, Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Moses Wetang'ula (Ford-Kenya), and Gideon Moi (Kanu), they will hold a closed-door meeting to discuss and select the best candidate to represent the alliance in the August general election.
Speaking to the press in Nairobi on January 6, 2022, Mudavadi said, "After the process is complete, we will fully support the person who will be chosen to carry the OKA flag, as they will represent the aspirations of millions of Kenyans who believe in us."
However, the leaders' announcement has been met with skepticism, with some of their allies defecting to other political parties. Ayub Savula, a close ally of Mudavadi, has joined Azimio la Umoja, a party that supports Raila Odinga's presidential bid.
Cleophas Malala, a senator from Kakamega, has also threatened to leave the alliance if they fail to announce their presidential candidate by the end of January.
"I am eagerly waiting for our leaders to tell us who will carry the OKA flag in the August general election. If they continue to delay, I will join another political party," Malala said.
