Raila Odinga's handlers misled him to skip Wetang'ula's function, says Omar

Some CORD leaders have blamed Raila Odinga's handlers over his failure to attend the launch of Moses Wetang'ula's presidential bid.

Wiper Secretary General and Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar described Raila's decision to visit Tanzanian President John Magufuli as "demeaning" to the Opposition coalition.

Mr Omar said it was a mistake for Raila to miss the function, noting that he has created room for speculation on the Opposition's unity.

"It is demeaning for him to have gone for a holiday in Tanzania and missed the event," said Omar, adding, "He ought not to have missed the function."

Senator Hassan Omar addressing the press at his office in Mombasa County on Tuesday 22nd March 2016. Mr Omar said it was a mistake for Raila to miss Wetangula's function, noting that he has created room for speculation on the Opposition's unity.  (PHOTO: KELVIN KARANI/ STANDARD)

In reference to the bad blood between ODM deputy party leader and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, and Senator Boni Khalwale, Omar appealed to the former premier to take charge of his troops.

Governor Oparanya, a Raila ally, had warned the Ford Kenya leader against taking the event to Kakamega town, describing it as an ODM zone.

He said the coalition partners must respect each other since there was no junior or senior party in CORD.

"There is no junior party in CORD and partners must embrace negotiation in making decisions concerning the coalition," added Omar.

But Siaya Senator James Orengo had earlier said Odinga skipped the rally because of the anticipated violence, saying they waited at the Kisumu airport for more than two hours for the chaos to end.