The recently launched opposition “coalition” – the National Super Alliance (NASA) – is believed to be close to naming its presidential candidate.
Four principals – Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Moses Wetangula (Ford Kenya) and Musalia Mudavadi of ANC last month signed a pact to form NASA.
The leaders have publicly declared that NASA is the only way to beat Jubilee Party, led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto.
Nasa formed a technical committee, to identify its top candidate to take on Uhuru in the August 8 polls.
The committee, sources say, is inching closer to naming NASA’s presidential flag bearer.
The team has agreed on general guidelines that will be used to pick the ideal candidate.
Wiper’s Kalonzo, according to the guidelines, appears to be in pole position to clinch NASA’s ticket for the presidency.
The committee believes that any pair that has Raila, Wetangula or Mudavadi will not sell, since they all come from Western Kenya.
Therefore, Kalonzo will either be NASA’s presidential candidate or a running mate to either of the three (Raila, Wetangula or Mudavadi).
The committee will present the set guidelines to the four principals within the next few days.
“I am privy to the discussions and I know that good progress is being made. We will surprise critics who think that we may not agree on a single candidate,” said Vihiga Senator George Khaniri, Mudavadi’s ally, as quoted by the Nation.
Kalonzo last week cleared the air following reports that he could ditch NASA for Jubilee Party, who are believed to be keen on luring the former vice president to join their camp.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Uhuru’s team has been monitoring NASA’s every move, to have Kalonzo go solo in the upcoming election to divide opposition votes.
On January 29, the Wiper leader urged NASA’s committee to fast track the process and come up with the opposition’s flag bearer by March.
Kalonzo has been on record asking Raila to back his presidential bid as he did back in 2013.