Raila calls meeting amid split in Wiper
What you need to know:
- Mwingi North MP John Munuve Sunday opposed plans for a referendum, saying it was unnecessary and also not a priority.
- In ODM, a few MPs have been boycotting meetings to plan the referendum. A group of lawmakers at the Coast opposed it at a meeting attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Taita Taveta last week.
Cord leader Raila Odinga will convene a joint Opposition parliamentary group meeting as differences in Wiper Party on whether to support the referendum or not, play out.
The Tuesday meeting is aimed at drumming up support for the “Okoa Kenya” campaign. Cord will launches structures for the drive this week.
Mwingi North MP John Munuve Sunday opposed plans for a referendum, saying it was unnecessary and also not a priority.
Other Wiper leaders including Chairman David Musila appear uncomfortable with it. Party leader Mr Kalonzo Musyoka backs the referendum.
“This country is bleeding. We have serious insecurity issues.
“Where will the money for referendum come from?” Mr Munuve asked.
He said that last week’s Wiper parliamentary group meeting, chaired by Mr Musyoka, did not agree on a common position that the leaders will take.
Boycotting
In ODM, a few MPs have been boycotting meetings to plan the referendum. A group of lawmakers at the Coast opposed it at a meeting attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Taita Taveta last week.
Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime (ODM) sprung a surprise when he criticised his Opposition colleagues and urged the President to ignore them.
Key ODM members such as Mr Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i MP), Aden Keynan (Eldas MP), Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache South MP), Joseph Nkaissery (Kajiado South MP) and Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok have kept off party’s activities.
“I support the referendum. Failure to attend some meetings does not mean I am running away from the party,” Mr Namwamba said.
Mr Keynan described as “mere rumours” claims that he is backsliding in his support for ODM.”
