Karua absence at key Azimio event sparks talk on OKA’s future
By Alvin.Mwangi, March 14, 2022The absence of Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua during the signing of a coalition agreement for parties affiliated to Azimio La Umoja has triggered debate on the future of One Kenya Alliance (OKA).
Karua and former Lugari lawmaker Cyrus Jirongo were the notoceable principals from the outfit to skip the Azimio La Umoja National Delegates Convention in Nairobi, attended by colleagues, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Kanu chairman Gideon Moi.
Short response
Due to questions on her absence from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga’s big day, a short response was issued by the Narc Kenya boss.
Veteran editor David Makali was one of many Kenyans who noticed this conspicuous absence, and sought to find out the whereabouts of the “iron lady” .
“Where is Martha Karua?” posed Makali on Twitter.
And vintage Karua replied: “Relaxing at home.”
Karua at the same time did not attend a major rally organised at the Jacaranda grounds in Nairobi and which was graced by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The NDC saw over 20 affiliate parties that were in attendance sign a coalition agreement to officially declare their alliance to Azimio la Umoja.
Parties that signed the deal include Kalonzo’s Wiper, Kanu, Wafula Wamunyinyi’s Democratic Action Party and Maendeleo Chap Chap of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.
OKA signed a co-operation agreement between the affiliate parties, including the New Democrats Party led by Jimmy Kibaki and The Green Action Thinking party, who joined on Friday.
Last week, Narc Kenya party pleaded for seven more days to scrutinise the coalition agreement.
“The National Executive Committee (NEC) resolved that it needs more time to scrutinise the Coalition Agreement,” said Michael Orwa, Narc Kenya’s secretary-general.
Karua’s Narc Kenya argued that the changes in the Political Parties Act have precipitated the sudden call for an extension of time.