Who will it be? CORD to pick its flag bearer in January

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leaders (from left) Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Raila Odinga (ODM) and Moses Wetang’ula (FORD-Kenya). CORD will pick its presidential candidate at a national delegates convention in January 2017. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy will pick its presidential candidate at a national delegates convention
in January 2017.

Until then, CORD leaders Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) are to popularise their respective parties.

The coalition partners will each provide delegates for the joint convention at which the presidential flag will be awarded to one person.

The Opposition coalition, CORD, will pick its presidential candidate at a National Delegates Convention in January 2017.

Until then, CORD leaders Raila Odinga (ODM), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper) and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford Kenya) are to popularise their respective parties.

The coalition partners will each provide delegates for the joint convention at which the presidential flag bearer will be selected.

It is unclear which other parties will be represented given that other parties are being courted to form a broader Opposition coalition.

According to the head of the CORD secretariat, Norman Magaya, the three co-principals have individual strengths that will add value when they converge in January to pick the coalition's presidential candidate to face President Uhuru Kenyatta of Jubilee Party.

Mr Magaya admitted that as a coalition, they had agreed that each of the candidates should popularise himself and meet at the National Delegates Convention in January.

"We have agreed that each of the principals should got out and popularise himself, which they are already doing. Each has his own plan of activities as we approach the elections," Magaya added.

Meanwhile, Raila will pitch tent in Kakamega in another round of political activities in Western region. The ODM leader has been criss-crossing the country selling his policies to the electorate.

ODM's acting Secretary General Agnes Zani said each party within CORD must strengthen itself, citing that strong coalitions were formed by strong individual parties.

The nominated senator said the only way for Raila to clinch the presidency is to rally his supporters to register as voters and mobilise them to vote, as well as streamline party primaries and invigorate the party.

"We must continue to reinforce the coalition's message that strong coalitions are formed by strong political individual parties and there's nothing wrong if ODM strengthens itself," said Dr Zani.

Already, ODM has settled on Raila as its preferred candidate for the presidency.