- The Oka chiefs have rolled out campaigns in the race for the country's top job.
- The principals were in Thika and Githurai for campaign rallies.
One Kenya Alliance principals yesterday stormed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Central backyard with a promise to change the country’s economic fortunes if they win the presidency next year.
The Oka chiefs maintained that they will fight corruption ruthlessly and protect public resources from massive plunder to revive the economy, create jobs and give Kenyans a decent living.
This was the first time they pitched camp in the President’s turf as they intensify their onslaught to turn the tables on Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Party leaders Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Musalia Mudavadi of ANC, Gideon Moi of Kanu and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) were also joined by UDP's Cyrus Jirongo on the trip.
They held a joint church service at Around The Globe Deliverance Ministries church, Thika, before holding a roadside rally in the Makongeni area of the town.
“We shall not allow those who have plundered public money to have an opportunity to assume the leadership of this country next year. Oka is providing an alternative leadership that will vanquish corruption,” Gideon said.
They dismissed reports that they are secretly engaging Raila with the aim of supporting his 2022 presidential ambition, insisting that they will go all the way to the ballot as a unit.
Kalonzo insisted that if there are secret meetings, then they are the ones he has been holding with his Oka co-principals.
“OKA is a united team that is set to develop the country. I call upon the media to be responsible in their reporting and stop spreading propaganda of me having secret meetings with Raila. My meetings are with Mudavadi, Jirongo, Wetang'ula and Gideon,” he said.
The Wiper boss said the Kamba community, which has for the last decade backed Raila, will not support the ODM boss again in 2022.
“The people of Lower Eastern will throw their weight behind any of the four principals who will be given the mantle by the alliance to fly its presidential flag,” he said.
There have been claims that Kalonzo is due to agree to a political deal with Raila that would see him back off the 2022 presidential race.
The Wiper party boss, who was Raila’s running mate in 2013 and 2017, is said to be under pressure from Uhuru to support Raila.
Addressing the Makongeni gathering, Musalia said Oka will not be coerced into supporting any other person in the 2022 presidential contest other than one of them.
“Kenya should be ruled by the rule of law and the principle of democracy should be allowed to reign supreme. We need peace and we should be preaching peace and everyone should be allowed to campaign in any part of the country,” he said.
The Oka bosses last Friday came out forcefully in Kakamega to admit that they have been receiving late-night calls to withdraw from the presidential race in favour of a certain hopeful.
Yesterday’s remarks in Uhuru’s backyard could be interpreted to prepare the region for a third horse in the presidential duel next year, diminishing chances of reuniting with Raila.
The leaders later drove on Thika Road to Githurai where they held a major rally, declaring that they have the solutions to the myriad challenges the country faces.
Mudavadi said they are united and have been working together behind the scenes and strategising on how to hit the campaign trail, adding that they are ready to sell to Kenyans their agenda.
“Oka has an alternative genuine and trusted leadership that has the interest and wellbeing of this country at heart. Our aim is to provide a united and transformed country,” he said.
Kalonzo said the Oka administration will provide free education in primary and secondary schools, saying money to do that will come from the recovery of proceeds of corruption.
“We will ensure all our children access free primary and secondary education. I know someone will ask me where we will get the money. We shall seal all corruption loopholes and recover all the stolen money, and any proceeds of corruption will be seized by the government,” he said.
Musalia called on the MPS to pass a supplementary budget to allow the IEBC more money to enable it to carry the second round of voter registration.
“We are aware of the IEBC deadlines and guidelines and the door is not closed for those willing to join us. We are open to as many leaders as possible because we stand for a united country,” Musalia said.