Kalonzo to fight for Cord ticket
What you need to know:
- However, Mr Musyoka assured that he is in Cord to stay, and the three co-principals would stick together.
- He dismissed as propaganda claims by Jubilee Alliance Party that there have been talks between them for him to join the government “after the exit of Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu”.
- “Even though we are in the Opposition, as Cord we are ready to help. That is why we have said dialogue is necessary,” Mr Musyoka said.
A battle could be shaping up over who would be the Cord presidential candidate in the 2017 polls as Wiper delegates endorsed party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the coalition ticket.
Other partners Orange Democratic Movement and Ford Kenya have already picked their respective leaders, Raila Odinga and Moses Wetang’ula to take on President Uhuru Kenyatta.
However, Mr Musyoka assured that he is in Cord to stay, and the three co-principals would stick together.
The Wiper delegates, who met at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on Saturday, also ratified the amendments to the party’s constitution.
Speakers endorsed Mr Musyoka and argued that he is best suited to bring the desired change for Kenyans.
Mr Musyoka declared he would seek the Cord presidential ticket, having been given the green light by his party.
JOINING JUBILEE
He dismissed as propaganda claims by Jubilee Alliance Party that there have been talks between them for him to join the government “after the exit of Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu”.
“Joining Jubilee would be betrayal. I would rather die than join the party which has already failed in every aspect of leadership” Mr Musyoka said.
He said increased insecurity is as a result of mistakes committed by past governments and corruption in the security forces.
The former vice-president said the problem of radicalisation of youths must be dealt with decisively using a common approach. Mr Kalonzo said he is ready to offer advice.
“Even though we are in the Opposition, as Cord we are ready to help. That is why we have said dialogue is necessary,” Mr Musyoka said.
He said time has come for the nation to tactfully withdraw troops from Somalia. Mr Kalonzo said this is not a sign of cowardice but a strategy to counter threats.
Cord co-principal Moses Wetang’ula and Siaya Senator James Orengo attended the conference.
