Raila's last minute decision destroys NASA plans

janet ndila

April 4, 2017 8:47 AM

ODM leader Raila Odinga has made a last minute decision which has destroyed plans by the National Super Alliance (NASA).

ODM leader Raila Odinga

The National Super Alliance (NASA) has been dealt a major blow after ODM leader Raila Odinga gave direct nominations to 427 aspirants.

NASA had planned to hold joint nominations in key areas like Nairobi and Mombasa but after Odinga's announcement, the plan is as good as dead.Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, the Opposition leader issued certificates to the aspirants and urged them to help NASA clinch the presidency.

"Today, we give certificates to some of our hardest working and strongest aspirants and set them free to focus on the big battle of August elections. Some of you have been honoured by your constituents because of the dedication with which you have served the party,” he told the aspirants at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi.Aspirants who received the certificates include 16 governors, 16 senators, 11 women representative and 307 members of country assembly (MCA).Key allies of Odinga who got the certificates include Mombasa Governors Hassan Joho, Evans Kidero and Amason Kingi.

Joho is now likely to face Senator Hassan Omar, who will contest for the Mombasa Gubernatorial seat on a Wiper ticket, an affiliate party in NASA.The same would apply to Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, who will face Senator Boni Khalwale, vying for the same seat on a Ford-Kenya ticket.The sibling rivalry among NASA affiliate parties could now hand some of the seats to Jubilee party led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Meanwhile, Machakos senator had urged affiliate parties in NASA to merge into one huge party to avoid infighting.

janet ndila