CORD calls for rotational presidency to end domination of two tribes

CORD leader Raila Odinga at Migori stadium for the homecoming ceremony of Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed in Migori, yesterday. [PHOTO: COLLINS ODUOR/ STANDARD]

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) wants the presidency to be rotated among different ethnic groups to allow other communities to get a chance to lead the country.

And to press for this, it promised to seek the support of others to ensure that leadership was diverse.

CORD leader Raila Odinga and a host of legislators said that one way of ensuring that leaderships is rotated was to elect the opposition coalition

The leaders were addressing opposition supporters in Migori during the homecoming of Suna West MP Junet Mohammed.

Machakos Senator Johnston Muthama told party supporters that one of the reasons he had had been summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) last week was over his calls for rotational presidency.

Electoral reforms

In pressing for support for the opposition, Kitutu Masamba MP Timothy Bosire a Raila presidency from 2017 would mark the change to the cycle of leadership since independence.

 “That is why we implore Kenyans to vote for Raila. It is then that the presidency can begin to rotate,” Mr Bosire said.

Speaking at the stadium, ODM Chairman John Mbadi, Siaya Senator James Orengo and MPs Timothy Bosire, Simba Arati, Opiyo Wandayi, TJ Kajwang’, Jakoyo Midiwo and women representatives Aisha Juma, Mishi Mboko, Florence Mutua, Gladys Wanga, Mishi Mboko said the opposition must sweep the votes and ensure Jubilee is vanquished  in 2017.

Despite calls from the crowds to comment on some of the ODM members who have resigned from senior party positions, the leaders steered clear off the resignation of Ababu Namwamba and Paul Otuoma -- the party secretary general and vice chairman respectively.

A source told The Standard on Saturday that Raila had cautioned the MPs against talking about Mr Namwamba and Dr Otuoma as this would give them undue publicity.

Busia Governor Sospeter Ojamong assured CORD of support from his constituents.

Raila was optimistic that CORD would clinch the presidency in 2017, saying he has support from the Luhya, Kisii, Kamba, Coast, North Eastern, and part of Rift Valley.

“Majority of Kenyans are behind CORD.   I want our people to be confident that we will send Jubilee home. They have looted our country. They are liars who promised us heaven but have delivered nothing,” he said.

He called on the parliamentary select committee on electoral reforms to fast-track the exercise to ensure Kenyans have new commissioners soon.

“The IEBC must go home. It is no longer whether they will go but when. We need a level playing field before 2017,” said Raila.

The former Prime Minister demanded for a new voters register, claiming that the current one had been doctored and included names of people who had died.

“We are not afraid of going to the political battle with Jubilee. What we want is a level playing field with a non-partisan referee.”

Raila welcomed Migori Governor Okoth Obado back to the party. Mr Obado contested the seat on a People Democratic party in 2013.

The CORD leader promised that ODM nominations will be democratic. “It will be the most democratic party primaries ever seen. Those interested in the seats should not fear anything. We will do early nominations and only most popular candidate will be given the ticket,” he said.

Raila admitted that the party had lost support as a result of the   flawed nominations and vowed to ensure free, fair and transparent exercise. He urged ODM members to remain loyal to the party and welcome back defectors.

“I will respect the will of the people and work with whoever they choose,” he said.

Mr Mbadi said direct nominations would only apply in other zones other than party strongholds.

A section of CORD MPs asked National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi to obey the court order allowing Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi back to Parliament. “Mr Muturi is under obligation to respect the Judiciary, from next Tuesday when Parliament resumes, Mr Wandayi must go back to Parliament.  He (Speaker) is not above the law,” said Mbadi.