CORD ups pressure on Jubilee over insecurity, media bills

CORD co-principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka. The party leaders meet to review the state of the nation. (Photo:File/Standard)

By Robert Nyasato and James Mbaka

Nairobi, Kenya: CORD MPs and governors meet Tuesday as the opposition schemes to maintain pressure on the ruling Jubilee coalition.

The opposition leaders will review the state of the nation, including concerns over insecurity and outrage over the draconian media bills, viewed as an assault on democracy, during their meeting at Orange House.

Interestingly, a number of CORD MPs supported the Kenya Information Communications (Amendment) Bill and the Media Council Bill when they came up for debate in the National Assembly. 

CORD co-principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula will lead the meeting on the eve of a crucial International Criminal Court (ICC) conference at which Kenya is pressing for immunity from prosecution for sitting presidents.

Justice to victims

The Government hopes the proposed amendment to the Rome Statute, which establishes the ICC, will block President Uhuru Kenyatta’s trial at The Hague.

It is expected the opposition will denounce attempts to abort the ICC trials of Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto, especially because Raila on Sunday said the ICC cases must run their course to deliver justice to victims. 

During Tuesday’s meeting CORD will discuss the rising insecurity that saw Raila demand the resignation of the Jubilee leaders for failing to guarantee the safety of Kenyans. CORD leaders will also take stock of the coalition’s performance and strategise for upcoming by elections.  

Invitations were sent out 25 governors, 32 senators and 136 MPs allied to CORD.

A source at Orange House said the coalition would take stock of its performance so far, and address the state of the nation, especially on security.

Also on the agenda is a common position on the Kenya Information Communications (Amendment) Bill and the Media Council Bill still being debated by Parliament. “We will also deal with housekeeping matters as a coalition following dissenting voices whether or not Raila should stand again,” the source said.

The meeting will also agree on who will be speaking on behalf of CORD on various matters to avert contradictory statements being made to the media. 

Insiders told The Standard CORD needs to urgently raise funds to oil its campaigns ahead of pending by-elections with reports some MPs failed to remit their dues to their respective parties.

CORD is keen on winning the Bungoma senatorial seat, the Nyaribari Chache and Bomachoge Borabu parliamentary seats in the December 19 polls, plus other eight civic seats.

Wetangula, the CORD candidate in the Bungoma senatorial by-election, will present his nomination papers to the IEBC in Bungoma town on Friday.

Raila and Kalonzo will lead over 50 CORD MPs and several Governors to back the Ford Kenya leader who will thereafter launch his campaign at the Posta Grounds in Bungoma town.

Leaders will also seek to iron out emerging rifts between MPs and governors. “Governors are carrying out programmes in isolation of lawmakers and some don’t want to take part in party issues like by-elections,” Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka told The Standard.

CORD will also reinforce its position to oppose amendments to police bills the opposition claims are designed to install a powerful Inspector General of Police. The bills are expected in the House this week.

The ODM, a partner in the coalition, is also planning its National Delegates Conference and a number of people have expressed interests in various national seats.

The Standard has learnt that CORD members will also be asked to step up their defence of Raila in the wake of claims that some elements within government planned to fix Ruto in the ICC.

Another source said the meeting would look at the diplomatic engagements between CORD and western countries, as the coalition is keen to capitalise on apparently frosty relations between the west and Jubilee Government.

Deferral of cases

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandai said the coalition must take a common stand especially after the UNSC decision the cases against Kenyan leaders continue.

“As Coalition we shall discuss and take a stand on how to go about the issue after the UNSC resolution not to grant a deferral of the cases,” Wandai said.

The meeting is also expected to challenge CORD members to vigorously keep watch against the government over corruption and illegal appointments.

A source said the coalition will also discuss how to tackle a censure motion against Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu sponsored by ODM MP Aden Keynan.

South Mugirango MP Manson Nyamweya said: “ODM must first put its house in order by ensuring that some people do not micromanage the party.”