ODM is reaching out to One Kenya Alliance member parties for coalition talks ahead of the 2022 polls.
ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya said they will form a coalition with like-minded political outfits to win the presidency.
“We have approached some parties in OKA to be part of the coalition talks with the view of forming the outfit. Soon you will hear the announcement," Oparanya said.
He did not name the particular parties.
OKA brings together ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya and Kanu's Gideon Moi. The outfit is yet to name a flagbearer for the 2022 presidential race.
Earlier efforts by President Uhuru Kenyatta to rally former NASA principals behind ODM leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid failed after two meetings at State House.
Oparanya said talks between President Kenyatta’s Jubilee, PNU and other political outfits were ongoing with a view to forming a formidable coalition to face off with Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA.
"Talks between the three parties are going on very well," he said.
The governor said ODM is strengthening and solidifying its strongholds and venturing into new frontiers to join the coalition as a stronger partner.
"We are working to ensure that ODM wins more elective seats to enjoy numerical strength in the coalition and the next government," Oparanya said.
The Kakamega governor was addressing grassroots leaders in Kakamega town during a meeting convened by the party's National Elections Board (NEB) to update them on new rules and plans for the upcoming party elections.
Oparanya asked NEB chaired by Catherine Muma, to issue certificates to nomination winners at the county level to end corruption witnessed at party headquarters during party primaries.
"Orange House is full of brokers who extort money from candidates in exchange for tickets. Let us not expose our candidates to such individuals," he added.
He said the success of ODM’s plan to win more governors, MPs, senators and MCAs will depend on the credibility of the party primaries.
"NEB should not mess the party again in the nominations...shambolic ODM primaries cost the party many seats and this time around we are demanding free, fair and democratic nominations,” Oparanya said.
He said the party has given full support to NEB to ensure it’s up to the task and the board and must live up to the expectations of party members.
Oparanya said on Monday that they will use delegates and direct nominations to pick candidates for various seats in 2022. This, he said, will stem a fallout that often cost the party seats.
Muma said only registered party members will take part in the nominations to avoid infiltration by rival parties.
"I urge you to go out there and urge party supporters to register in large numbers because registration is free," she said.
Muma said ODM branch chairmen will not be allowed to vie for any elective seats as they could use their positions to influence outcomes in their favour.
She assured aspirants that the party will deliver free and fair nominations.
Edited by A.N
