Raila dismisses possible fallout with Kalonzo, Wetangula

There has been talk of plans being put in place to disband the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) and replace it with a new coalition ahead of the 2017 polls.

Raila has intensified his campaigns to popularise ODM across the country.

Word also has it that the three CORD principals: Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula are likely to split as they cannot agree on the coalition’s flag bearer in the coming election.
The speculation has been fuelled by recent utterances by Senator Wetangula who called on his colleague, Raila, to step aside and back someone else for the presidency.
Raila has also been touring different parts of the country to popularize his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) especially after a number of key members left for rival parties.

There has been talk of plans to disband CORD and form a new coalition where Mudavadi and Martha Karua will rejoin with Raila.

The rumour of the possible disbandment of the CORD has prompted Raila to respond.

Speaking during the celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the ODM party at the Laico Regency Hotel in Nairobi on Friday, September 2, Raila accused the Jubilee side of fuelling the speculation and spreading propaganda that the CORD is on the verge of breaking.

The former premier said that all that is being said is propaganda because the three CORD principals are working closely together and do not plan to part ways.

Cord Leaders Raila Odinga, Moses Wetangula and Kalonzo Musyoka at a past event. Raila says the three will not split.

“Jubilee would like to see CORD split, and each time they are saying who is the flag bearer? We say deal with your own issues in Jubilee. In CORD there are no issues regarding the flag bearer,” Raila told ODM members at the dinner.

Raila added that he is not leaving his partners in the coalition to work with somebody else because they are a united team.

“We as CORD will remain together because we have a duty to liberate this country and deliver the pledges we have made,” Raila added.

The CORD principals have vowed to remain united despite talks of a possible split.

Raila is expected to start a four-day tour of Kakamega county as he seeks to consolidate support for the ODM ahead of the picking of the flag bearer in January 2017.
The CORD has resolved that the candidate will be picked by delegates from the parties affiliated to it.