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Kenya opposition parties unveil a coalition to oust Kenyatta

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Kenya’s opposition parties have unveiled a coalition to face off with President Uhuru Kenyatta during the country’s general elections due in August .

The coalition dubbed the National Super Alliance (NASA) currently made up of 15 opposition political parties will front a single candidate against Kenyatta who is seeking a second and final term.

Some of the key members of the coalition include former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula.

Kenya goes to the polls on August 8th to choose a president, as well as members of parliament and the country assembly.

Thousands of opposition supporters were on hand to witness the unveiling of the opposition coalition.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga gave the keynote speech. “We are also here to emphasise that we are one opposition team, with a common dream of liberating Kenya from the yoke of jubilee,” said Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Former Finance Minister Musalia Mudavadi told their supporters that Kenya is ready for a change in leadership.

“Should our presence here signify nothing? It must signify change for the people of Kenya; it must signify unity for the people of Kenya; it must signify the end of corruption.”

Various opinion polls have put President Kenyatta ahead of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga – the favorite to lead the opposition coalition, a strong alliance, the party leaders argue can edge out Kenyatta.

On the newly signed amendments to the electoral law requiring back up to the electronic system, the opposition says the Kenyan government is planning to rig the polls. They said they may resort to mass action in 30 days if President Kenyatta does not vacate the law.

The real test for the opposition unity will come after one of them is chosen to lead the coalition to the ballot. “Whoever is going to be the flag bearer will put everything on the table … everything on the table. I have sacrificed before; I am ready to sacrifice again,” said Kenya’s former Vice President, Kalonzo Musyoka .

Should the coalition settle for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, then it will be his fourth time seeking the presidency. In 2002, President Kenyatta lost to an opposition coalition led by retired President Mwai Kibaki. Watch video below

– By Sara Kimani

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