CORD plans two-day retreat to take stock of its performance, plan for 2017

CORD leader Raila Odinga during a rally at Chemelil in Kisumu County on 21 August 2015.PHOTO BY COLLINS ODUOR

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has planned a retreat to review its strategies and chart the coalition's path to the 2017 General Election.

The Opposition's performance in Parliament, their referendum campaign and relationship between affiliate parties are on the agenda.

CORD is closely monitoring voter registration and the acquisition of national identity cards.

Head of CORD Secretariat Norman Magaya said the retreat will take place in Naivasha on September 6 and 7.

Opposition chiefs Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula will lead MPs, senators, governors and the coalition management committee to the meeting.

"We have planned a retreat early next month to take stock of the coalition's performance both inside and outside the House," said Mr Magaya.

During the retreat, CORD will be taken through the final stages of the 'Okoa Kenya' referendum push.

"We want to end the issue of 'Okoa Kenya' in September. The Committee of Experts will take us through the final steps of the referendum bill," added Magaya.

The Opposition will also discuss its own consolidation, given that some members of the Orange party want the National Assembly leadership reviewed.

Members allied to the Kalonzo Muysoka-led party - Wiper - had threatened their ODM colleagues that any attempt to kick Francis Nyenze out of the minority leadership will lead to a mass walkout from the coalition.

At a retreat in Maanzoni last week, Raila is said to have instructed ODM legislators to stop attacking parties affiliated to CORD but work with them as they strategise to dislodge Jubilee from power in 2017.

His remarks were seen as meant to abate criticism of Mr Nyenze, his deputy Jakoyo Midiwo and Chief Whip Thomas Mwadegu over their alleged poor performance in the House, which has in the past threatened to tear the coalition apart.

The renewed energy being displayed by Raila is also breeding anxiety in the coalition with his two co-principals marshaling their troops to support them in clinching CORD's presidential ticket.

A source who spoke to The Standard said Raila is the undisputed CORD presidential flag-bearer and the other two will support him to make the last stab at the Presidency.

The issue is expected to be explosive given that Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua has been on a charm offensive to reduce the popularity of Kalonzo in his backyard.

But Mr Magaya clarified that the issue of who will fly the coalition's flag is not a matter of concern for now, adding that when the right time comes, the Coalition Management Committee will deal with it.

"As a coalition, we want to deal with the issues of voter registration and to consolidate our support base. When the right time comes, we have the right committee, which will deal with that," he said.

The coalition will also strategise on the activities that it should undertake.