Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has suggested Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka may reunite with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga ahead of the August 9, elections.
In an interview with TV 47 on Tuesday, February 8, the ODM deputy party leader said the One Kenya Alliance has expressed interest in teaming up with Azimio la Umoja to form a formidable team to defeat Deputy President William Ruto State House bid.
“You remember OKA leaders (Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karau, Gideon Moi, and Cyrus Jirongo) said they are talking to other like-minded partners. Having worked together before, don’t rule out ODM. Both ODM and Jubilee is talking to them to form a formidable coalition,
“Of course, we would like to work with Kalonzo Musyoka. He is a critical partner in this struggle and I would not deny that both sides are showing signs of coming together,” Oparanya said.
Oparanya’s remarks come barely hours after the Wiper party gave Kalonzo Musyoka the freedom to negotiate pre-election deals with other like-minded partners ahead of the August 9, polls.
Party Secretary General Shakila Abdalla on Tuesday, January 8 said the party leader will engage with like-minded coalitions and individuals giving the former vice-president the green light to commit the party to either of the formations in the race to succeed outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Kalonzo who worked with the ODM leader in the 2013 and 2017 General Elections has however ruled out working with Kenya Kwanza which brings together Deputy President William Ruto, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetang’ula.
Addressing the press after the six-hour NEC meeting, Kalonzo said they are open to honest talks but ruled out any deal with “thieves”.
“We had a very serious open deliberation of the party’s NEC on what is happening in regards to coalition building,
“We are ready for talks with those whose ideology is similar to ours but if you are a thief we will not engage you,” he said.
