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Kalonzo hints at joining Azimio coalition to forge winning team

**OKA principals Gideon Moi (right) and Kalonzo Musyoka (third left) join their co-principal Cyrus Jirongo during his party's delegates' congress at Multimedia University**. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Reunion of ODM leader Raila Odinga and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka could be announced during the Orange party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) scheduled for today and tomorrow.

One Kenya Alliance yesterday gave the strongest hint that they could partner with the Raila-led Azimio la Umoja Movement to form a coalition to rival the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Speaking during the United Democratic Party’s (UDP) NDC, party leader Cyrus Jirongo stated that talks with Azimio were at an advanced stage, spilling the beans on a possible grand coalition announcement that will be made during ODM’s NDC that begins today at Kasarani International Sports Centre, Nairobi.

“On Saturday, we will be with you (Raila) and see how we can start working together and move forward,” Jirongo said.

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And Kalonzo picked the cue from his host, stating that the talks will come up with the winning formation. “This time round, we will get this equation right so that this country will be forever free and leadership will be seen for what it is- a beacon of hope. Trust me,” the Wiper leader said.

Kanu chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi stated that the talks will be structured, transparent and in a manner that will bring confidence to the electorate. Solidifying OKA’s stand to work with Azimio, Gideon stated that it is without doubt that there are those they can do business with and those they cannot do business with.

“With the formation that is coming up in a few days, look out for it. It is something that Kenyans themselves will be proud of and will be a formation that will last,” said the Baringo senator.

Raila, who was the chief guest, rubber-stamped the statements of the OKA principals, leaving no doubt that a cooperation with his two-time running mate is in the offing.

Three times, Raila mentioned that, “great things happen when Kenyans come together.” A statement that has hinted to a confidence of new alliances that have previously worn a gown of impossibility.

Kalonzo is a critical pathway to securing the more than two million votes from Lower Eastern, which he delivered to Raila’s basket in the 2013 and 2017 elections.

The flirting between OKA and Azimio comes ahead of Jubilee and ODM NDCs- crucial meetings that set the pace on how parties are going to strategise on scooping different seats in the coming election.

Raila stated that the vision of Azimio la Umoja is to bring about the third liberation which is grounded on “unity of purpose and clarity of direction”.

Kalonzo’s team comes at a convenient time, just a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta endorsed the ODM leader and backed a partnership between Jubilee and ODM within Azimio.