ODM with a 'real chance' to win polls - Raila

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is confident that his party - the Oranger Democratic Movement (ODM) - will win Kenya's 2013 General election and form the next government.

He told a conference of the party's aspirants that proper mechanisms have been laid down to secure the party’s position as a leading contender in the race.

“I believe we have a real chance, not just a fighting chance, of forming the next government,” he said.

The party unveiled 13 teams to spearhead campaigns for Mr Odinga’s presidential bid at the grassroot.

According to Youth Affairs minister Ababu Namwamba, the grassroot campaign dubbed, 'ODM Mashinani’, will mount door to door campaigns to market Mr Odinga’s presidential bid.

It will be launched on Thursday in Nairobi before being rolled out simultaneously to other parts of the country a week later.

Addressing the party's aspirants, Mr Odinga was categorical that ODM was not looking to enter into coalitions.

“We are not in this contest to be part of a coalition government - we are fighting to win,” said Mr Odinga.

He explained that the party needs to form government in which it can implement radical programmes at a much faster pace than a coalition could allow.

“We want to implement ODM policies, not an amalgamation of programmes that include policies we would never touch," he said.

The PM made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing ODM aspirants’ conference at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.

Mr Odinga allayed fears over the nomination of aspirants seeking elective posts on ODM ticket by reiterating that the exercise will be handled above board.

“As for the nominations for the positions that you seek, the message is out. They will be free, fair, democratic and clean. That message will not change”, he promised.

Aspirants in the conference had an opportunity to meet with the party’s new National Elections Board headed by Dr Muthee Kathurima.

The party leader told members to remain steadfast in the party and continue popularising it at the grassroots.

Mr.Odinga told party members to stand firm against attempts to sway them.

“I remind you again, do not be confused by the formations. It is a two horse contest- it is ODM against the rest. They vote together, they think the same. They may claim to be competing against each other, in reality, they are their accomplices," he said.