Gideon, Salat differences play out as both attend different functions
The ongoing feud between senior Kanu officials intensified yesterday as the Azimio-One Kenya coalition unveiled its presidential running mate.
While Kanu chairman Gideon Moi made a technical appearance at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where Azimio presidential aspirant Raila Odinga unveiled Martha Karua as his deputy before joining his Wiper counterpart Kalonzo Musyoka as he announced his decision to leave Azimio at his Command Centre in Karen, party Secretary General Nick Salat was at KICC expressing support for the alliance.
Yesterday’s events buttressed recent events where members of the independence party have been pulling in different directions, especially on Gideon’s place in the alliance.
Kalonzo, who appreciated Gideon’s presence, said they had agreed to move out of Azimio, revealing other members of OKA were on their way out.
He said the Movement for Development and Growth, led by Ugenya MP David Ochieng, had also left.“Some people have been saying Gideon has been sent to rope Kalonzo in.
I spoke this morning with David Ochieng who is in the US and is full with us. We agreed we go our separate ways. The options are obvious. We need to revisit the matter of the coalition and the recent Political Parties (Amendment) Act. My honest opinion is OKA continues as originally established,” Kalonzo said.
He added: “Azimio continues as before and we move on. We have a business here to save this land from corruption, to rid this country of negative energy, hatred and political deceit.”
Baringo Senator did not address the congregation despite prodding from Wiper members who demanded he speaks to them. At KICC, Salat welcomed Karua’s choice, saying the party did not plan to leave the alliance.
“We in Kanu are in Azimio to stay. Forget about those others who are saying different things, this is the winning team and we will stick in there,” Salat said.
Last week, divisions in the party were apparent as different communications emerged, one vouching for Gideon to be appointed Raila’s running mate and another Kalonzo.
