ODM delegates endorse Raila

ODM members attend the party's National Delegates Conference at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi December 7, 2012. The NDC is expected to endorse Raila Odinga as the party's presidential candidate. JOHN NGIRACHU

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Delegates Conference has endorsed Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the party's presidential candidate.

Delegates from respective ODM branches countrywide started arriving at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani early morning.

The members were screened before being admitted to the Gymnasium.

Secretary General Anyang' Nyong'o was among ODM leaders who arrived early for the NDC. Others were organising secretary Hassan Joho and William ole Ntimama.

Mr Odinga arrived at Kasarani at 11.50am accompanied by Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and ODM chairman Henry Kosgey.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, whose Wiper party struck a coalition deal with ODM on Tuesday, arrived for the NDC a few minutes past midday.

Mr Tsvangirai is in the country, on Mr Odinga's invitation, to attend the conference.

The NDC is also expected to endorse ODM's manifesto.

Mr Odinga will accept the ODM nomination and is slated to make his acceptance speech at 3pm, according to a dispatch sent to newsrooms Thursday evening.

In his speech, Mr Odinga is expected to outline his agenda to the country.