Raila meets Garissa leaders to cement unity deal

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is set to hold grassroots elections next year.

In a meeting chaired by party leader Raila Odinga, the National Executive Council (NEC) directed the Secretariat to start the preparations for the grassroots elections.

The party holds grassroots elections after every five years.

The Orange party has now formed a three-member team comprising Nyando MP Jared Okello, the Party’s National Elections Board chair Judy Pareno and party Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen to streamline party nominations.

“The NEC of ODM party has formed a three-person team to go through the report of the task force formed last year by the party to review the process of party nominations and come up with proposals on how best the party can implement recommendations in the report,” said ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale.

Raila has reiterated the need to change the governance structure of the country to make it more inclusive.

This, he argued, will help address ethnic exclusion and enhance unity among the different Kenyan communities.

Building Bridges

His sentiments come at a time when the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has been going round the country collecting views from Kenyans as well as various political parties on how to change the country’s Constitution.

Addressing the Press after meeting leaders from Garissa County who had paid him a courtesy call to show solidarity with the BBI, Raila stressed the need for the country to shun politics of ethnicity and discrimination.

“We want to tap the great potential that the country has in order to better the lives of Kenyans,” he said.

Raila, who spoke in his office at Capitol Hill, also clarified that the war on corruption does not target any tribe or individual as it is being alleged.

National Assembly Minority Whip and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, who was part of the delegation, supported the ‘handshake’ saying it is the only way that can ensure that the country remains united.

While calling on all Kenyans to remain united, Junet also sought to know why only one leader in the country has been protecting those involved in corruption.

The leaders who have come under scrutiny for alleged corruption include governors Moses Lenolkulal (Samburu),  Okoth Obado (Migori) and Ferdinand Waititu (Kiambu).