CORD leaders pledge unity ahead of 2017 general elections

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka addresses a rally at Mulu Mutisya Gardens in Machakos, yesterday, after CORD leaders meeting. [PHOTO: DENNIS KAVISU/ STANDARD]

CORD leaders have vowed to remain united ahead of the 2017 elections.

Co-principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula yesterday claimed that the Jubilee administration is trying to infiltrate CORD to cause leadership wrangles.

The leaders reiterated that they were ready to walk together for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“We are aware of the suffering Kenyans are going through and it is our resolve to move together in charting the way to State House and liberate our people,” said Raila.

Speaking during a meeting at the Machakos Golf Club yesterday, Kalonzo said he was ready to serve as president, and dismissed as wishful thinking, claims that he was headed to Jubilee. “We understand their (Jubilee) games. Our unity is unshakable and we shall sit down the three of us to show you direction,” he said.

Other speakers at the meeting tore into Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua. Wiper Chairman David Musila dismissed Dr Mutua’s claims that the rally had been convened to discus him. “We cannot as a party come here to waste time to discuss an individual. This meeting has nothing to do with Governor Mutua,” declared Mr Musila.

The relationship between the governor and Wiper leaders has been frosty after he launched the Maendeleo Chap Chap Movement which was seen as a move to undermine Kalonzo.

The former Vice President however, steered clear of Mutua in his speech.

Wiper secretary general Hassan Omar announced that the party was intact and Mutua was not giving them sleepless nights at all.

He said he was happy the governor has already written his political retirement before his term is over with his Machakos counterpart Johnstone Muthama saying he saw the Governor’s exit long ago.

“I even told Kalonzo that Mutua is like a sungura and that he would be the one to destroy him (Kalonzo) politically,” said Mr Muthama

He declared that Kalonzo was the glue that holds the Kamba community together and claimed that Jubilee was trying to bring him down using other leaders.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana warned the Kamba community against abandoning Kalonzo in favour of another leader, in an apparent reference to Mutua.

Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala clarified that he had not been sent by the governor to represent him in the meeting as reported in a section of the press.