President Uhuru Kenyatta met Raila and One Kenya ex-NASA principals at State House Mombasa on Tuesday, August 9 where he warned them of a Ruto win in the 2022 presidential race if they do not unite.
In the meeting, the President is said to have discussed his 2022 plans with Raila Odinga (ODM), Gideon Moi (KANU), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya), and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya(ODM).
The Jubilee party leader is said to have urged Raila Odinga and OKA leaders to unite and form a team that will contest for the 2022 State House bid.
According to a story in People Daily Newspaper where Uhuru’s family has business interests, the President is said to have asked them to go soul search and report back to him in one week.
“I cannot support you if you are not united. From the poll, if you do not unite, Ruto will even get 50+1 without the need for a second round,
“From where I sit, the best chance you have to win is to support Raila. He seems to have a realistic chance, but only with your support,” President Uhuru said.
The Head of state said he was willing to strike a deal on sharing of positions espoused in the Building Bridges constitution amendment bill should it be allowed to proceed in the highly anticipated Court of Appeal ruling on August 20.
This did not align with the expectations of the ex-NASA principals, who want to compete for the presidential ticket with Raila Odinga s equals.
Wiper Party’s Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi, in particular, were hesitant to President Uhuru’s proposal at State House, saying they do not trust Raila Odinga.
The Wiper leader is said to have told President Uhuru that Raila had failed to honour any deal between them in 2013 and 201 and as such it was highly unlikely he can honour another deal.
This explains the tense moment between Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka after the meeting.
When the leaders finished their photo session outside State House, Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga did not shake hands, suggesting there was an element of bad blood between them.
