What is so special about Oka, the acronym of One Kenya Alliance, that its co-founder Kalonzo Musyoka feels it must be part of the Azimio la Umoja name?
The campaign for an additional baptism name to Azimio by Kalonzo baffles pals and foes in equal measure. There could be mischief behind the campaign chorused by no other person than Kalonzo, who believes that the coalition was stuck and had to look elsewhere for rescue (okoa).
Kalonzo, former Vice President in the Mwai Kibaki administration and Raila Odinga’s running mate in two previous presidential elections, says Oka is so important that a request for inclusion of its name in Azimio cannot be ignored by the partners in the new coalition.
Little known in the excitement about the acronym is the fact that the last three letters in the Wiper leader’s name Musyoka, are 'O-K-A'. Could that explain the insistence? The answer is yes, Kalonzo’s close confidant revealed this on the condition that his identity is concealed for fear of reprisals.
Before the ink dried on the agreement document, Kalonzo disowned the signature that regularised entry of his party into Azimio where he endorsed Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila as the coalition’s flagbearer.
Without explanation or elaboration, Kalonzo told Kenyans, including Wiper supporters, that Oka was shortchanged by the negotiators of the agreement who included President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Inclusion of 'O-K-A' to Azimio could entitle Kalonzo to claim ownership of the entity at some point in future in case the political marriage collapses as is always the case in Kenyan politics since the restoration of competitive politics 30 years ago. Many coalitions do not survive beyond five years.
Oka co-founders Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetang'ula abandoned Kalonzo and defected to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance, renamed Kenya Kwanza coalition. The principals could not agree on who between Kalonzo and Mudavadi would be the coalition’s flagbearer.
The ongoing bickering in Azimio, whether for ideological reasons or greed for power, is nothing new to the anxious and fatigued electorate, most of whom boycotted registration as new voters for the August 9 election. Non-ideological parties or coalitions split before or after every general election.
These splits don't spare ruling outfits.
Nicknamed handshake partners, political foes turned buddies, President Kenyatta and Raila are the founders of the Azimio coalition that, together with other outfits, is currently engaged in noisy and abusive campaigns.
The writing is on the wall for those who aspire to lead Kenya for the next five years. No persuasion or sweet words will get the youth to register as voters in 2027. Leaders have to wake up and change tack in their campaigns for positions.
Freelance Journalist. Email: [email protected]
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