Jirongo joins Cord, to contest Kakamega Senate seat
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) presidential candidate Raila Odinga (centre) and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka (left) moments after receiving Federal Party of Kenya leader Cyrus Jirongo at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi January 9, 2013. PHOEBE OKALL
Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo on Wednesday joined the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) and exited the presidential race.
Mr Jirongo was received by Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Moses Wetangula at a brief ceremony at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi witnessed by over 20 MPs.
In an agreement signed between Cord and Mr Jirongo’s Federal Party of Kenya (FPK) the coalition will now support the Lugari MP's senatorial bid for Kakamega County.
Mr Jirongo is expected to compete with Ikolomani MP Boni Khalwale of the United Democratic Forum (UDF) in the scramble for support from 12 constituencies in the county.
“Our opponents are expressing false confidence by dangling bridged figures based on ethnic arithmetic and regionalism. That you come from one community does not mean that everyone in that community is your slave,” Mr Odinga said.
“Let me take this opportunity to welcome CJ (Cyrus Jirongo) into this coalition of right thinking Kenyans”
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka broke into a song and promised that many other prominent leaders are on their way to the coalition.
“This is the cord that is going to bind us together as a nation,” Mr Musyoka said.
The VP expressed confidence that the contest ahead of the March 4 election was now clearly defined adding the wind of change Kenyans have been yearning for was on the way.
Mr Wetangula described Mr Jirongo as a capable campaigner and mobiliser whose entry into Cord had reenergised the outfit ahead of its Western Kenya tour set to begin Friday.
“To all those who are with us, those who are waiting to join us and those who do not know where to go. I appeal to you to come and join us on our way to victory,” Mr Wetangula stated.
The Lugari MP said that his party decided to join Cord to help secure equity which he claimed is not guaranteed by the other coalitions.
“Our analysis show it will be counterproductive to split voices that share common ideals. We will now support the Cord presidential candidate because he recognises that Kenya is made up of more than one community and for restoration of fair play in the sharing of national resources,” Mr Jirongo stated.
Higher Education minister Prof Margaret Kamar was among several ministers who graced the event.
