By Joab Apollo
Last week, Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto caused a political upset against his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta after his newly formed party, the United Democratic Alliance, narrowly won the Kiambaa Constituency by-election, defeating the ruling Jubilee Party, under the leadership of Kenyatta.
With the clock ticking quickly towards the 2022 general election and Kenyatta publicly making it clear that Ruto is not his preferred choice, the Kiambaa win was viewed as a political morale booster to the rebellious Ruto. This has sent key political leaders believed to have the backing of Kenyatta to the drawing board.
One such group is the One Kenya Alliance (OKA) bringing together former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, one time Deputy Prime Minister, Musalia Mudavadi and Baringo County Senator, Gideon Moi. On Tuesday, the group convened a strategic meeting in Nairobi, sending shockwaves across the country.
“OKA is a coalition of shared ideas, ideals, people and parties that carry genuine Goodwill for our beloved country. As OKA, we reiterate economic revival remains our top priority. Let’s make things right.” Said Musalia Mudavadi, who also doubles as the Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader.
OKA and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, under former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are viewed to have the support of President Kenyatta in a country where an outgoing president has a total say on who succeeds him. The group has been in an all-out political war against Ruto, even though it has not made known its flagbearer.
They have described the deputy president as a corrupt thug with no moral ground to take the country’s leadership mantle, sentiments backed by President Kenyatta and his confidantes.
“We have a deep sense of obligation as leaders to forge a United and prosperous nation with a thriving economy, where every individual has a fair chance to prosper in their social and economic endeavors.” Said Gideon Moi, who also doubles as Kenya Africa National Union (KANU) party chairman.
