Cord principals, governors in strategic two-day meeting in Kisumu

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) leaders Moses Wetang'ula (left), James Orengo and Kalonzo Musyoka (behind right) at Acacia Premier Premier Hotel on February 14, 2016. PHOTO | TONNY OMONDI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Siaya Senator James Orengo told the Nation.co.ke at Acacia Premier Hotel that the start of the meeting, initially planned for 9am, was delayed to allow those travelling from far to be part of the Kisumu briefing.
  • Kitui governor Julius Malombe, Nairobi deputy governor Jonathan Mueke were among some of the key county leaders who had arrived at the lakeside town by the planned 9am kick off time.

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) Principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula on Sunday arrived in Kisumu for a two-day meeting with governors and their deputies.

Governor Jack Ranguma welcomed the leaders to the town and is expected to play host to his other 23 colleagues and their deputies.

Siaya Senator James Orengo told the Nation.co.ke at Acacia Premier Hotel that the start of the meeting, initially planned for 9am, was delayed to allow those travelling from far to be part of the Kisumu briefing.

Mr Musyoka (Wiper) and Mr Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) inspected the venue of the meeting before leaving to an undisclosed location.

From the activities at the hotel on Sunday morning, there were clear indications that the leaders were geared for serious talks on the future of the coalition.

Kitui governor Julius Malombe, Nairobi deputy governor Jonathan Mueke were among some of the key county leaders who had arrived at the lakeside town by the planned 9am kick off time.

A source privy to the agenda posited that the coalition is likely to audit preparations of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the 2017 elections.

“The Opposition leaders are keen on keeping off advances by other parties interested in gaining support in Cord strongholds,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.

Most Cord governors had indicated that they will participate in the forum that might duel on how the coalition will deal with the growing interest of senators who have declared their bid to oust most of the incumbent county bosses.