CORD's second governors, senators meeting set for next week in Kisumu

By PAUL MUTUA

KITUI, KENYA: Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) will hold the second governors’ and senators’ retreat next week in Kisumu to strategise how to tame the Jubilee administration on hindering the decentralization of power.

Cord’s Deputy Leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said the January 18 retreat that comes after a previous one in Mombasa last July will implore on the counties controlled by coalition’s governors to lead in the implementation of devolution so that the country could start enjoying the fruits of devolved systems.

Speaking during the burial of his grandmother, Nduki Kiteme, 117, at Mususya village, Kyuso district in Kitui County on Wednesday, Mr Musyoka said the year 2013 was bad for the CORD family and Kenyans at large.

“Cord will strive to show the country the right political direction as it sets eyes on the top seat come 2017,” he said.

The former VP said they were optimistic for a bright political future where Cord will work towards consolidating and strengthening itself.

Those in attendance included Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, his Machakos counterpart Alfred Mutua, nominated WDM Senator Judith Sijeni, MPs Joe Mutambu, Mati Munuve, Kisoi Munyao, Richard Makenga, Patrick Makau, Daniel Maanzo, Makueni women representative Rose Museo and several Members of County Assembly led by Machakos Chief Whip Timothy Kilonzo.

Mr Musyoka revisited the controversial March 4 General Election, repeating that Kenyans knows clearly what happened and how they were deprived of victory.

The former VP further talked of sufferings Kenyans have undergone in 2013 including increased prices of essential commodities, insecurity and muzzling of the press and civil societies.

“In Kisumu we will be categorical in telling Cord’s governors and senators to keep Jubilee in check and protect the ideals and principles of devolution’,” he said.

The former VP cautioned Wiper members against loose talk that might ruin the party from within.

He said he was steady and firmly in control as the party leader and dismissed those squabbling over insignificant matters.

Dr Mutua had raised eye brows when he said on his view it was only President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Musyoka who are fit and electable for the presidency.

Mutambu appeared to soften his bid to dislodge Kitui Senator David Musila as the Wiper chairman.

The MP said he would only vie for party’s top seat in April if Mr Musila would not be defending his position. “I hold the senator with high esteem and I would only join the race if he is not running,” said Mutambu.