I won’t ditch Raila Odinga, declares Senator Moses Wetang’ula

Senator Mosses Wetangula speaks in Malava, Kakamega County, at the weekend. [PHOTO: CHRIS SECHERE/STANDARD]

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula says he is not about to leave CORD. Instead, the Ford Kenya leader says he would continue strengthening the Opposition coalition.

“I built CORD together with ODM leader Raila Odinga and Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka. It would be absurd to quit when all we need is to unite and strengthen the coalition. Our numerical strength must make a meaning,” said Wetang’ula.

Speaking at the funeral of Isaac Shitanda, brother to former minister Soita Shitanda in Malava yesterday, Wetang’ula said himself and the other two co-principals have equal stakes in CORD. He was responding to calls by former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo and others that he quits CORD and lead the formation of a Luhya political party.

Wetang'ula asked Raila to support him should he clinch the CORD ticket.

“The Luhya community stood with your father (former VP Oginga Odinga) and we have supported you many times. It will be prudent for you (Raila) to support a Luhya presidential candidate in 2017,” said the senator.

The Bungoma Senator insisted his bid for the top seat was unstoppable. “I have what it takes to become President and you must support me to achieve that dream,” he said. He claimed once Raila realise the community was united and is fully behind him, he would not hesitate to endorse him as CORD flag bearer.

“Definitely Raila will say ‘Weta’ tosha,” said Wetang’ula. But Jirongo insisted Wetang'ula should ditch CORD and team up with him and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi in giving the community political direction.

“I have told Wetang’ula to ditch CORD so that we can strategise as leaders from Western. We cannot start our dance while singing someone’s song,” said Jirongo.

Added Jirongo: Leaders from this community must dance to their own tunes instead of playing second fiddle.

He told Wetang’ula and Mudavadi to agree between themselves who was most suitable to contest the presidency. “If they won’t agree, it will be upon the people to decide their fate,” he noted.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said there was need for Western to work with other communities if they want to capture power.