NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 — Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has tabled a 2017 agreement with Orange Party’s Raila Odinga as the reference document for coalition talks with the Azimio la Umoja Movement.
The 2017 accord provided that Odinga will stand down for Wiper leader in 2022 whether or not he won the election.
“My brother has the option of abiding by the terms of this live binding, legal agreement and thereby emerging as a true, national, regional and indeed continental democratic hero,” said Musyoka.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Musyoka said he was ready and willing to lead the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) in negotiations with Azimio on the basis of the 2017 he separately negotiated away from the National Super Alliance.
“He (Raila) chooses to act in utter defiance and repudiation of the agreement and thereby compound the trust deficit,” said Musyoka.
It was not immediately clear whether partners were in favour of Musyoka’s demands even as the Wiper leader said he had notified his allies of his position statement.
“My friends in OKA are aware that am issuing this personal statement and they have no issue with it,” he said.
While noting President Uhuru Kenyatta may have preference for Odinga, Musyoka said that decision constitutes the Head of State’s personal position.
“My brother Uhuru could have endorsed Raila as the presidential candidate, but don’t you think the most important endorsement is that of Jubilee’s NDC? Jubilee didn’t endorse any candidate, the position I take is that of the party,” Musyoka stated.
“President Uhuru will be at liberty to change his mind. Again it’s not mandatory for a mediation by Uhuru on the matter and I have given two options already,” he added.
Musyoka said he was ready to work with Odinga but the fresh negotiation will not be devoid of the 2017 deal.
“This document should form the basis of honest conversation and if they refuse that fine. We move on,” he said.
Whether or not the 2017 deal is still binding is still in question as the coalition is since defunct having been dissolved after the affiliate parties bolted out in 2021.
“This was separately negotiated, that is why I pity my friends who left me for Kenya Kwanza, Mudavadi and Wetangula. They accepted me as a running mate and I went and negotiated with this important legal document personally. You are looking at a very tough negotiator and this is not about NASA but two principals,” the Wiper Leader asserted.
Musyoka’s demand puts Odinga in an awkward position with his campaign having anticipated consensus on the 2022 ticket to help the presidential campaign popularize the ticket ahead of the August 9 presidential election.
