November 26, 2024

newsline

Timely – Precise – Factual

Azimio-One Kenya Coalition deal and how they will share the positions

1,695 Views

Details have emerged on how President Uhuru Kenyatta, the emerging political chess game master have structured a formula to share government equally with Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka as contained in the ‘Deed of Agreement’ deal signed at State Houses.

The Azimio-One Kenya coalition comprises three “caucuses”– ODM, Jubilee and One Kenya Alliance (OKA).

The deed of agreement shows that the three leaders will share power equally if Raila wins the presidential election and forms the next government in August.

I would be the most stupid fellow to support Raila in 2022,' Kalonzo says

The agreement, which was signed by Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu as witnesses is focused on fostering national unity, inclusivity and prosperity.

Termed as a three-legged stool by Kalonzo, affirms categorically that the parties to it (coalition partners) will form a coalition government.

The deed sets out four principles for formation and organisation of the government.

The first is national aspiration for an inclusive, democratic and participatory governance, the second is equality and equity, including affirmative action among the coalition partners and the third is utmost good faith among coalition partners and the fourth adherence to the terms of the coalition agreement.

The parties to the deed are obligated to promote objectives of the coalition agreement. At the apex of the coalition party leadership is the party leader and a deputy party leader. Below them is a powerful seven-member council, the coalition council, which is essentially the top political leadership organ of the party.

Odinga, Kalonzo recall Kirubi's role in brokering 2008 deal with Kibaki »  Capital News

Other organs of the coalition party are the National Coalition Executive Committee, National Secretariat headed by an Executive Director, Coalition Parliamentary Group, County Coalition Caucus, National Disciplinary Committee and Dispute Resolution Panel. Each of the three caucuses – Jubilee, ODM and Wiper, will produce two members to the Council but the three can expand and form new caucuses as long as they involve the Council.

“In such an eventuality, the Coalition partners shall deposit with Coalition Council any resolutions made and agreements entered into regarding the formation of such a caucus.

The inaugural caucuses of the coalition are the Jubilee caucus, the ODM caucus and the OKA caucus,” the deed reads.

The council will run the coalition, give policy directions, authorise the execution of coalition agreement and also be responsible for admitting other members on terms they will agree. It will be convened by the party leader or his deputy in consultation with the council.

Besides the party leader and his deputy, other officials of the coalition party are national chair, vice-chair, secretary general and their deputy, treasurer and their deputy, organising secretary and their deputy and executive director.

Uhuru expands debilitating civil servants' travel ban to cover Raila,  Kalonzo | National | Top Stories | Kenya Free Press

These will run the party’s NEC reporting to the council. Immediately after the August election, the party will form the coalition’s parliamentary group (PG) comprising all elected and nominated members of either the coalition party or constituent parties of the coalition.

Modelled along similar lines as the PG is the Coalition County Caucus comprising all coalition party Members of County Assembly elected or nominated.

The council shall also determine the leadership of this caucus.

Resolution of the various coalition party organs, including the council, shall be by consensus. If there is no consensus on a matter, a vote shall be taken and where there is a tie, the chair of the organ’s single vote shall decide the matter.

Kalonzo Musyoka reveals plans to work with Raila Odinga, again

In terms of election management, the deed provides for a coalition election board comprising five members and coalition election appeals board of seven members, both appointed by the council.

“Jurisdiction of the election board and appeals board shall be limited to candidates of the coalition and coalition matters and shall not override competent bodies of the constituent parties,” the deed decrees.

The objectives set out in Article 2 of the agreement are to mobilise people to a free and fair election, formation of an inclusive government, zero-tolerance to corruption, promotion of national unity, equitable distribution of national resources and upholding respect of individuals and communities.

Others are to create and foster internationally competitive nation, promote peaceful coexistence, security and safety of all Kenyans and placing greater focus on consultation and citizen participation.

The guiding values to the deal include integrity, transparency, accountability, mutual trust and respect, patriotism, democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law, human rights, dignity and freedom, empowerment of youth and people’s participation in decision making. Others are gender parity, devolution, media freedom, vibrant civil society, meritocracy in public service, good governance and sustainable development.

The agreement also lists “accessibility in leadership” as one of the values, ostensibly to bind partners from locking each other out once in power.

Kalonzo dismissed assertions by the Kenya Kwanza team that he had been coerced to join forces with Azimio La Umoja ahead of the August polls.

He spelt out that he had soundly made the decision fueled by the well-being of his people and that of the country at large.

“I was not pushed to decide, that is pure propaganda. In this region, I compare myself to the late President Julius Nyerere. I cannot be forced to do anything, I know how to say no…and I live with my conscience,” Kalonzo noted.

“I am more focused on what my people will benefit from not what I will benefit. In terms of employment, infrastructure and social amenities such as water for irrigation.”

Musyoka consequently defended his move to back Raila’s presidential bid as he told off critics alleging that he had been bribed.

He termed Raila as his personal friend of many years, adding that he is hopeful of getting his support come 2027.

“I said in ‘roho safi’, let us elect Raila for the third time…we have been together through thick and thin. I know one day he will seat and say this is my younger brother and he means well,” he said.

At the same time, Kalonzo divulged that the newly-formed coalition was in the process of allocating slots such as the Deputy President position.

“We have not reached the agreement of DP in our coalition. Nothing is agreed unless it is agreed. Three legged-stool came from the three of us and not Kalonzo,” Musyoka explained.