Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has formally exited the National Super Alliance (NASA).
The move comes just days after Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Movement formerly exited the coalition that was used by ODM leader Raila Odinga to contest for presidency during the 2017 general elections.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in a statement disclosed that the Orange party held a meeting on Thursday, July 29, and made the resolution to quit the NASA relationship.
ODM held a National Executive Committee meeting to deliberate on, among other things, the party’s 2022 presidential candidate.
According to Sifuna, ODM intends to embark on a programme to build new partnerships. The party will also extend the ongoing talks with its potential partners to the grassroots.
Sifuna added that the party deliberated on the future and its need to build new partnerships.
“To this end regional meetings and engagements have been planned with like-minded parties,” he concluded.
The coalition agreement between the partners indicates that NASA would cease to exist if at least three constituent parties formally exit.
NASA coalition has faced challenges since 2018 due to mistrust among the parties and competing interests among; Wiper Democratic Movement, ODM, ANC and Ford Kenya parties.
Early this week, the former Prime Minister agreed to share political parties’ funds after four years of a standoff.
Despite all this, Kalonzo has ruled out playing second fiddle to anyone in the next year’s polls despite ODM unveiling the cash.
At a press conference Monday, Kalonzo revealed that Raila had written a letter informing them of the decision to share the party’s millions.
Raila and Kalonzo have had an on-and-off relationship over the years since 2002.
They teamed up when the late President Daniel Moi endorsed Uhuru Kenyatta for the top seat and left Kanu to support retired President Mwai Kibaki under the Liberal Democratic Party, then an affiliate of Narc—the coalition that decisively defeated Kanu.
As the 2007 general election approached, the two went separate ways, with Raila seeking the presidency on the ODM ticket as Kalonzo flew the ODM Kenya’s flag. ODM Kenya rebranded into Wiper Democratic Party.
Election results were disputed leading to the formation of the Grand Coalition government, with Raila serving as Prime Minister and Kalonzo as Vice President.
The two did not see eye to eye for the better part of the coalition government.
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