- We are now thinking of new partnerships, which must be informed by the political dynamics prevailing in the country.
- Affiliate parties of the alliance have begun consolidating their support bases.
A day after formally quitting Nasa, Oka principals have embarked on preparations for 2022 campaigns.
They are starting from the big picture strategy to the smallest details to beat their rivals.
Musalia Mudavadi of ANC and Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper believe they have the numbers and only need to harvest some votes from their competitor’s strongholds for a good start in the presidential race.
They have set in motion the wheels to the race, which they have vowed is unstoppable.
Mudavadi, Kalonzo and co-principals Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) and Gideon Moi (Kanu) are set to harmonise their teams and set up a secretariat to run campaign programmes.
Speaking to the Star on Wednesday, Mudavadi termed the consultations among Oka partners as “intense” with more meetings lined up.
“We are in the process of forming subcommittees. Each subcommittee will handle specific areas of the alliance's goals,” he said.
The ANC party leader said they are also developing a communication strategy to ensure messaging is harmonised.
Oka principals are developing rules to guide how like-minded parties and partners will be brought on board ahead of the 2022 election.
“We are developing rules of engagement with other players,” he stated.
“We are thinking of new partnerships, which must be informed by the political dynamics prevailing in the country," he added.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has already signalled that he is willing to engage his former Nasa co-principals.
Raila has since called an ODM delegates' meeting that would make a decision on which coalition to join.
He is scheduled to have regional delegates meetings across the country after which he will announce whether or not he is joining Oka.
Mudavadi has maintained he will not play second fiddle in next year's presidential election.
Kalonzo has also declared that he will be contesting for the top seat, which makes the process of picking a flag-bearer a headache for the alliance.
The scenario will become more interesting should Raila join Oka and be part of a team that will face Deputy President William Ruto.
He too is preparing to be in the State House race, having said on Friday that he is not old to lead. He cited the founding father, Jomo Kenyatta who was older than him when he took power.
Moi has also declared his interest to run for president. He promised to run a strong campaign for the seat during a thanksgiving ceremony at Ruth Kiptui Girls in Baringo North on Friday.
On Wednesday, Mudavadi said affiliate parties of the alliance have begun consolidating their support bases.
“On our part, we have asked ANC branches to actively involve themselves in encouraging Kenyans, particularly youth who have just acquired national IDs to register as voters,” he said.
Mudavadi spoke after receiving a report from ANC's National Elections Board on the concluded grassroots elections. The party also launched a strategic plan for the 2022 election.
After a funeral in Kandara on Tuesday, Kalonzo, Wetang'ula and Mudavadi drove to Nairobi where they attended a strategy meeting with their think tanks for a brief on how they will progress to the August 2022 general election.
The Star has established that each of the principals has been tasked to consolidate their strongholds.
Mudavadi and Wetangula will be in charge of the larger Western region. Mudavadi will also take care of Mt Kenya and North Eastern. Wetang'ula on the other hand will be tasked to deliver South Nyanza.
The Wiper Democratic Movement boss has been tasked to woo his home turf, Upper Eastern and parts of the Coast as well as the Maa community.
The three heavyweights who command massive support in their backyards will combine forces in the cosmopolitan Nairobi county.
Should Baringo Senator bolt out of Oka and team up with Raila, Mudavadi, Kalonzo and Wetang'ula will also team up to attempt to snatch the populous Rift Valley vote from the Deputy President.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)