ODM senator endorses Kalonzo for CORD presidential ticket

Wiper Democratic Movement Leader Hon Kalonzo Musyoka addresses residents in Voi Township. Kalonzo is in a vote hunting tour of Taita Taveta County. Taita-Taveta Senator Dan Mwazo has endorsed Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the presidential bid on a CORD ticket. ( PHOTO: DENNIS KAVISU/  STANDARD)

Taita-Taveta Senator Dan Mwazo has endorsed Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka as the presidential bid on a CORD ticket.

The ODM legislator, who has persistently skipped the party leader Raila Odinga’s tours of the region, yesterday turned up at a Kalonzo’s rally in Taita Taveta county.

Mwazo said Kalonzo had informed him of his tour of the county unlike “others” who visited the area.

“Mr Kalonzo called and informed me that he was touring the county to seek for votes and that is why I am accompanying him to tell the electorate that he is the best candidate for the presidency,” he told the rally.

“There are some leaders who have been visiting the county to seek support without involving local leaders,” added Mwazo without mentioning names.

Pre-election deal

Accompanying the CORD co-principal in Voi and Mwatate, the senator said an agreement signed between ODM and Wiper parties in the run-up to the last elections should be honoured.

He claimed the agreement was clear that Kalonzo would support Raila in 2013 and the ODM leader would reciprocate in 2017. “I was party to the pre-election deal and Raila should honour it for the sake of the coalition’s stability and survival,” he said. Mwazo maintained that he was still in ODM.

Kalonzo challenged ODM and Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula to give him a chance to lead CORD to victory. “I respect Mr Raila and Wetang’ula very much and I’m beseeching them to allow me to be the flag bearer to beat Jubilee next year,” said Kalonzo.

Wiper Secretary General Hassan Omar said CORD was firm and will deliver the presidency next year. “We are together and we will remain together in 2017,” he said.The Mombasa Senator accused the Jubilee government of perpetrating corruption, tribalism and marginalizing some Kenyans in employment and resource allocation.

“We are ready to remove the corrupt government from power to put in place an accountable leadership that will address myriad problems facing Kenyans like poverty and unemployment, and the thorny squatter issue,” he said.

“Food prices are skyrocketing. The only thing that will save Kenyan is change of leaders in the management of the country’s affairs. CORD is the only hope for Kenyans,” said Omar.

Among those who accompanied Kalonzo were Governor John Mruttu, MPs Thomas Mwadeghu (Wundanyi) and Jones Mlolwa (Voi).

Others were MPs Patrict Makau (Mavoko), Daniel Maanzo (Makueni) Twalib Badi (Jomvu), Francis Nyenze (Kitui West), Jesca Mablu (KIbwezi East, Lamu County Women Representative Shakila Abdalla and several aspirants.

Mruttu urged CORD leaders to continue working together for the sake of removing Jubilee from power.

“The goodness is that CORD has good structures at the grassroots level and will easily win next year’s election if they remain united,” said the governor.
He said the local community would support whoever would be picked by CORD to be the flag bearer.

Kalonzo at the same time promised to address problems facing the Coast communities once he wins the presidency. He accused the Government of failing to address land historical injustices.

The Wipe leader noted that most the land in the county was owned  by the Tsavo National Park and private ranches.