Wetang'ula says CORD flag bearer should have highest numbers

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula (right) at a burial in Ikolomani on Saturday where he repeated his resolution to vie for President in 2017. [PHOTO: CHRISPEN SECHERE/STANDARD]

Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula has, for the second time, declared that CORD presidential flag bearer in the 2017 general elections must be the principal with highest numbers of voters from his backyard.

"We have numbers and we should ensure the numbers help us in clinching the presidency. If with our numbers at five million votes, Raila with three million votes and Kalonzo with 1.5 million votes we ask, does River Isiukhu flow into River Nzoia or is it Nzoia that flows into Isiukhu? The answers is obvious," said Mr Wetang'ula during a burial in Ikolomani on Saturday.

The Bungoma senator and his Kakamega counterpart Boni Khalwale have in the past said no one had an automatic ticket to be the coalition presidential candidate in the coming election and every principal has a right to contest.

"Come 2017, Wetang'ula is in the race and, as you know, he is not a coward. He does not look back and we should march forward  towards State House. Let us stay put in CORD and move together," Wetang'ula said, adding:

"We have the numbers and are scattered all over the country. In 1963, the first senator of Nakuru County was Mzee Wafula Buke, the first senator of Nairobi was Mzee Clement Lubembe. We should effectively use our advantage of numbers and register as voters."

He called on all leaders from Western region to work together and be ready to support each other.

"Our division is our downfall. Let's us walk together and we will finish this race as a team. I am ready to sit and talk and share advice with everyone but I believe I am ready and capable of finishing this journey," he said.

SINGLE TRIBE

But Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Ikolomani MP Benard Shinali (UDF) and Lurambi MP Raphael Otaalo (ODM) told those eying the presidency from the region to reach out to other regions as no single tribe can produce a president.

"I have always told them that seeking presidency in Kakamega and Bungoma is all but a dream. I wonder whether they are seeking to become president of Kenya or to become Kakamega governor," said Mr Oparanya.

Mr Shinali told those seeking the presidency from the region to ensure the Luhya nation is walking as a team.

"Those calling for Luhya unity should know that unity cannot be attained without actions. As MPs we have decided to economically empower our people and ensure we uplift their welfare and political unity will just follow automatically," said Shinali.

Mr Otaalo said though numbers should be considered when choosing the coalition flag bearer, the nomination should be left to the coalition members to pick.