The One Kenya Alliance principals sent conflicting signals about their stand on coalitions ahead of the August 9 polls during their Western tour.
While UDP leader Cyrus Jirongo and KANU chairman Gideon Moi said that negotiations with like-minded parties were ongoing, Narc-K leader Martha Karua appeared to contradict them.
The leaders addressed huge gatherings at Nasianda Primary School in Likuyani and Pan Paper grounds in Lugari constituency over the weekend.
Jirongo said that Oka was negotiating with the Raila Odinga-led Azimio La Umoja movement and Jubilee for a possible coalition ahead of the polls.
He said Oka will push to ensure that it bags the presidential ticket of the coalition they enter into.
Gideon said that talks were ongoing between Oka and friendly political formations but ruled out any deal with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance headed by Deputy President William Ruto.
Kenya Kwanza Alliance brings together the DP, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetang’ula.
He said that corrupt leaders should not be allowed close to power, adding that the corrupt will be “slaughtered” if Oka takes power.
But Karua said Kenya is a multiparty democracy and no one should force all Kenyans into two parties only.
“When parties become too big, they tend to sidestep democracy and that is why parties should be preserved,” she said.
Karua said that Kenyans should elect their leaders based on their capacity to serve and protect their interests and not parties.
This seemingly exposed what could be as lack of a common stand by the alliance on whether to go it alone to the ballot or join forces with other formations.
Earlier reports indicated it could be a matter of time before the alliance joins forces with Azimio in a mega coalition with jubilee.
Kalonzo said that Oka principals have no hard feelings against Mudavadi and Wetang’ula for deserting Oka for Kenya Kwanza.
“We wish them well. Some of us are used to pressure. This is not the first time to run for presidency,” he added.
The Wiper leader said Oka will ensure that all looted public funds are recovered to offer services to Kenyans.
“Oka will provide free primary and secondary education to every Kenyan child when we take over power. We know where to get money. We shall get it from those who have stolen from Kenyans,” he said.
Kalonzo said the Oka government will also increase the allocation to devolved units from the current 15 per cent to 35 per cent and seal corruption loopholes to strengthen devolution.
Jirongo said that Oka is the only political formation that can liberate Kenyans economically.
“We all have one common enemy who can destroy the country if elected to power,” he said.
Jirongo said he will ensure that Oka remains strong in Western even after Mudavadi and Wetang’ula's exit.
Kalonzo also said that Kenyans don’t want to elect people who can cause blood shed.
Gideon asked Kenyans not to be swayed by handouts from corrupt leaders seeking leadership.
“When they come here, eat the money but don’t vote for them,” he said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
