CORD allows coalition parties to field candidates in each other’s strongholds

CORD has resolved to allow coalition parties to field candidates in each other's strongholds.

The decision came as political heat continued to rise in Western Kenya over which party between ODM and Ford Kenya was more popular in the region.

CORD had planned that wherever a coalition partner had overwhelming support, another one would not field its candidate to avoid conflict. This is now set to change in Western, where both ODM and Ford Kenya have seen each claiming they are stronger.

This also comes amid claims that Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula is using fundraisers to target ODM zones in Western by planning to field candidates in all constituencies in the region.

At the beginning of this month, the rivalry between ODM and Ford Kenya played out in the open at Muliro Gardens after chaos erupted at an event where Mr Wetang'ula was launching his presidential bid.

But during a recent televised interview, ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba said other parties within the coalition were free to field their candidates in each other's strongholds.

"Let us remove this notion that a particular area belongs to a particular party," said Mr Namwamba.

Elsewhere, a declaration by Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama that CORD would not accommodate other parties competing against Wiper in the lower Eastern has region elicited outrage.

Mr Muthama warned that the coalition would not allow smaller parties 'to ride' on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's popularity.

But former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti has refused to dissolve her party. "I will contest the Machakos gubernatorial seat on my party's ticket whether anybody likes it or not," she said.