By Antony Gitonga
ODM party ended its two-day retreat in Naivasha by endorsing Prime Minister Raila Odinga as flag bearer in the March 4 General Election.
As expected the party parliamentary group led by 61 MPs and the National Executive Committee settled on Raila, noting that ODM was the party to win the elections.
The party also opened doors for coalition with like-minded parties, noting that it was committed to reforms.
The retreat attended by ministers, assistant ministers, and MPs allied to the party set November 29 and 30 for party National Delegates Conference in Nairobi.
The party also set December 4, 5, and 6 for party nominations for various seats.
Conspicuously absent during the retreat at the Great Rift Valley Lodge were Assistant Minister, Margaret Wanjiru, and nominated MP, Rachel Shebesh, who have been linked with TNA in the recent past.
While accepting the nomination, Raila promised that the party would conduct free and fair nominations. He promised leadership that would unite the country, adding that ODM was committed to the full implementation of the Constitution.
“I would like to thank NEC and the parliamentary group for giving me the chance to lead the party. I am confident we shall win the elections,” he said. He dismissed those who had left the party, saying many more were joining ODM.
“Some people are trying to divert us for opportunistic reasons and ODM shall not be swayed by cheap politics,” said the PM.
Addressing the Press, the PM hit out at ethnic groups that in the last few months have been causing chaos. He revisited the attack in Mtwapa where Fisheries Minister Amason Kingi escaped death, saying that the Government would not condone such acts.
“We condemn all kinds of ethnic and religious groups out there to cause chaos to innocent members of the public and especially the Mtwapa incident,” he said.
He praised the Kenya Defence Forces for their work in Somalia especially in Kismayu, which was the hub of the Al Shabaab. Party Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o said that they were seeking mechanisms to form coalitions with other parties.
“We are ready to work with other parties ahead of the elections. We also promise free and fair party nominations,” he said.
The minister condemned the violence at the Coast and in a church in Nairobi and called on security forces to heighten their intelligence gathering.
“The meeting has endorsed Raila as our candidate and we ask the National Delegates Conference to endorse him when it convenes,” he said. Those present included ministers Ababu Namwamba, James Orengo, William ole Ntimama, Henry Kosgey, Sally Kosgey, Franklin Bett, and Paul
