Cord leader Raila Odinga's Meru visit marred by wrangles

Wrangles among ODM officials in Meru marred party leader Raila Odinga’s visit to the county on Friday.

Differences pitting factions that claim to be the bona fide branch officials were on display immediately the former premier touched down at Kaaga Primary School.

The groups led by Miriti Mwirigi and Mwenda Gatobu were at the grounds to welcome their leader who was with senators James Orengo and Johnston Muthama, MPs Junet Mohamed and Fred Outa and ODM executive director Magerer Langat.

The two groups fought over which vehicle was to carry Raila to Gitoro Conference Centre where he was to address party members. 

The ODM leader was scheduled to open the new party headquarters at Gitimbine but the event had to be cancelled after one of the factions defaced the office.

END WRANGLES

When he eventually rose to address the members, Raila said party elections will be organised to pick officials and end the wrangles.

"We were told about the wrangles in Meru, but we still came because we want to find a solution. You are children of the same mother (ODM) so finding a solution is very easy. You should not fight because it will make our opponents happy. We will sit down as leaders and chart the way forward," he said.

On matters referendum, Raila urged residents to come out in large numbers and append their signatures for their petition saying this will show their support for devolution.

"We at Okoa Kenya have the will and commitment to push for a referendum on these and other issues. I urge people in Meru to demonstrate their total commitment and support for the initiative by appending their signatures."

Mwirigi said that so far, 30,000 signatures have been collected in Meru.