Lack of clarity covers top Nasa leaders' meeting
Nasa’s National Co-ordinating Committee member James Orengo speaks to journalists on April 12, 2017 in Nairobi. The coalitions' top leaders are expected to meet to discuss the flag-bearer issue. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Interviews with multiple sources indicated that the retreat will start tomorrow with the principals expected to fly to Mombasa.
- Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed hinted that the talks will be restricted to the top leaders.
The Coast retreat for the Nasa principals will strictly be a five-member affair with close allies and aides told to keep off.
This came as lack of clarity enveloped the Opposition coalition leaders’ retreat, which is meant to come up with the National Super Alliance’s flag-bearer and running mate for the August 8 General Election.
Interviews with multiple sources indicated that the retreat will start tomorrow with the principals expected to fly to Mombasa, from where they will be informed of the venue of the make-or-break talks.
PARTY BIGWIGS
Today, Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed hinted that the talks will be restricted to ODM leader Raila Odinga, ANC supremo Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper chief Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford-Kenya boss Moses Wetang’ula and the new entrant, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto of Chama Cha Mashinani.
“We have been informed that the talks will be between wakubwa pekee yao (strictly between the bigwigs),” said Mr Junet without giving more details.
“The rest of us will be required to stay as far as we can from the meeting and can only be called in when need arise.”
MEETING IS ON
Asked about the retreat, Mr Ruto quipped: “How sure are you that it is starting tomorrow (Tuesday)? I am carrying out my party nominations until Wednesday”.
National Assembly Minority Leader Francis Nyenze told the Nation that the meeting is on “and it is specifically for the principals”.
The top Wiper official said: “It was to start today and end on Tuesday.”
Mr Nyenze said he had just arrived back in the city from his constituency.
“I’m yet to call my boss (Mr Musyoka) but that meeting was specifically for them, not for whichever committee,” said Mr Nyenze.
“That meeting should be on. Before I left, I talked to my boss and then we parted on Saturday and he told me they would proceed.”
REPORT NOT READY
He said the best thing would be to wait for the result of the meeting.
Another source, however, said the meeting was postponed until a conclusive report by Nasa’s National Co-ordinating Committee was submitted to the principals.
“The report, on whose basis the principals will discuss and make decisions, is not ready,” said the source.
“I doubt if the meeting is going to take place because, so far, nothing has changed.”
A source close to the technical committee, chaired by Dr David Ndii, also confirmed: “Nothing has changed since yesterday (Sunday). What is there is an incomplete report.”
