Kenya : Raila, Kalonzo to name flagbearer on December 22

ODM party leader Raila Odinga (right), Ford Kenya's Moses Wetangula (centre) and Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka (second left) address a news conference after a Cord meeting at Mr Odinga's office December 13, 2012. The Coalition said it will name its flagbearer during a rally at Uhuru Park, Nairobi on December 22, 2012. JENNIFER MUIRURI  NATION MEDIA GROUP

The Coalition for Reform and Democracy is expected to name its flagbearer at a major political rally in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park on December 22.

The decision was arrived at Thursday after a one hour meeting of Cord's leaders- Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Trade minister Moses Wetangula.

This is the first meeting that members of the coalition, bringing together Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Wiper Democratic Movement (Wiper) and Ford Kenya, are holding after signing a pre-election agreement with 11 other political parties on December 4.

“We have agreed that we shall hold a crucial public rally at Uhuru Park on December 22 where we shall make a major announcement,” said Mr Odinga after the meeting in his office.

When pressed by journalists to state whether Cord will be unveiling its election line up at the rally, Mr Odinga replied; “Subira huvuta heri” (Patience pays).

However, a source privy to the deliberations confirmed that the coalition will name its presidential candidate during the rally.

A coalition agreement between the parties allows Mr Odinga’s ODM and Mr Musyoka’s Wiper to pick the candidate through “consensus” and “consultations”. Ford Kenya will not participate in picking the presidential candidate.

ODM and Wiper held separate national delegates’ conferences where Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka were endorsed as presidential candidates for their respective parties. It is widely expected that Mr Odinga will be the coalition’s presidential candidate and Mr Musyoka his running mate.

The VP and Mr Wetangula also confirmed the meeting will take place.

“We have agreed that there’s no turning back now. We will be moving ahead with our bid so that Kenyans can elect the team that will move this country forward,” said Mr Wetangula.

“This is a coalition that brings all Kenyans together and we shall sure take the country where it ought to be. Our meeting at Uhuru Park will signify a new dawn in Kenyan politics. All Kenyans are invited."

Cord also raised concerns over the low turnout in the voter registration process.

Even though the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has stated that the December 18 deadline will not be extended, Mr Musyoka said Parliament might be called in to intervene.

“If the matter is brought to Parliament, we shall discuss (whether the timelines will be extended),” said the VP.

Mr Odinga said President Kibaki will soon sign an amendment to the Elections Act to enable those with waiting cards register as voters.

By DAVE OPIYO dopiyo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Thursday, December 13  2012 at  14:45