Raila Odinga hits out at Jubilee Party in Coast tour

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife Ida at the Kisumu county offices yesterday. About 81 Ayrshire dairy cows and 70 alpine dairy goats were distributed to farmers to boost food security in the county. [PHOTO: COLLINS ODUOR/STANDARD]

VOI: Opposition leader Raila Odinga has dismissed the newly-formed Jubilee Party, saying it will offer nothing new to Kenyans.

The CORD leader lashed out at the Jubilee administration accusing it of perpetrating corruption and tribalism in the country.

Addressing a rally in Taveta town yesterday, Raila said time has come for Kenyans to rise up and vote out the Jubilee administration in next year's polls.

"Jubilee Party is like day and night. It has played monkey business by taking small parties and forming JP. The formation of the new party is like a monkey moving from one tree to another," The CORD leader told his jubilant supporters.

"JP has failed to announce party positions and you cannot liken it to ODM which is a national party with countrywide grassroots support. It (Jubilee) lacks democracy," noted Raila.

He told his supporters that ODM was prepared for elections and will conduct free and fair nominations in all elective positions to avert fallout.

"We do not want to see our party members fighting or causing divisions in the party. Those who will win nominations fairly will be given party tickets and the losers should support the winners," said Raila.

Earlier, Raila held a rally in Loitokitok in Kajiado County.

He was accompanied by among others Governor John Mruttu, MPs Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi), Andrew Mwadime (Mwatate), Jones Mlolwa (Voi), Mathew Lempurkel (Laikipia North) and Kisumu Woman Representative Rose Nyamunga.

Others included Deputy Governor Mary Kibuka, County Assembly Deputy Speaker Chrispus Tondoo and several members of the County Assembly.

"If Jubilee knows how to steal votes we will also do the same. No matter what, Raila will be at State House next year," said Lempurkel.

Ms Nyamunga said Jubilee administration was using money to lure ODM supporters. "Let them continue eating the meat, and when they bring money eat it," she told the rally.

Mwadeghu, Mlolwa and Mwadime said Raila was the only leader capable of leading this country that has been run down by the Government.

Mruttu said the  former Prime Minister had been in the forefront in fighting democracy and devolution and should be rewarded by Kenyans.

Conspicuously absent at the rally were Senator Dan Mwazo and County Woman Representative Joyce Wanjala Lay. 

Meanwhile, Raila has supported joint nominations to select the CORD flag bearer for 2017 General Election.

In a statement, Raila said he is in agreement with the proposal by Cord Co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka's for joint nominations between the parties forming the CORD.

Kalonzo, also Wiper Party leader had earlier said that he is ready to support anyone who will be chosen to be the opposition's flag bearer in their efforts to remove Jubilee in power come 2017.

He said a technical committee was already in place to guide on the modalities to be used to choose the next Cord presidential candidate who will go head-to-head with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He also added that there are plans to have Cord registered as a political party and create a stronger movement like that of 2002 National Alliance Rainbow Coalition (Narc).

In this arrangement, all parties will present candidates for nomination and the overall winner will fly the coalition's ticket as Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)/CORD, Wiper/CORD or Ford Kenya/CORD.

Raila expressed his willingness to let other democratic parties to submit their candidates to get the flag bearer.

Already, drums are loud that Raila is likely to be the flag bearer of the movement having being already endorsed by Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, also ODM deputy party leader.

Apart from Kalonzo, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula also Ford Kenya party leader, will also be fighting for a slot.