Raila in new bid for western

Coalition for Reforms and Democracy leader Raila Odinga is planning another round of tours in western Kenya in a bid to rescue his support in what was one of his strongholds in the last General Election.

Mr Odinga camped in Busia, Vihiga and parts of Kakamega counties two weeks ago after key ODM officials, Mr Ababu Namwamba and Dr Paul Otuoma, quit their posts as party secretary-general and vice-chairman, respectively.

Mr Odinga is facing a vicious battle to retain western Kenya votes which are slowly slipping from his grip.

But Friday, Cord secretariat executive director Norman Magaya said Mr Odinga will return to Bungoma and Kakamega on August 20. He is currently in the United States.

He will tour Malava, Lurambi, Lugari and Likuyani,” he said. The Cord leader will also visit parts of West Pokot and Trans Nzoia before heading to Bungoma.

During Mr Odinga’s recent tour of Moses Wetang’ula’s Ford Kenya western Kenya turf, the Bungoma senator, quipped that the “crowds may not translate into votes”.

Mr Wetang’ula further said the Luhya people Mr Odinga had gone to address in Kakamega, Busia and Vihiga were asking why the ODM leader went on tour without him.

This comes as Cord co-principal, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called on Mr Odinga and Mr Wetang’ula to back him for president in the 2017 General Election.

The party held its first summit on Wednesday and the national executive council said that Mr Musyoka should be supported by Mr Odinga and Mr Wetang’ula for the top position.

At the summit, attended by top leaders in the party, the outfit said Mr Musyoka is the best bet to beat President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017.

Mr Odinga will also be in Mombasa for the Law Society of Kenya annual convention, which will be addressed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Mr Odinga has held talks with Dr Otuoma in an attempt to woo him away from the “rebel” group led by Mr Namwamba.

The two met in western during Mr Odinga’s visit and are expected to meet again next week.

“I have not left ODM. I only relinquished my party position. I am a fully paid member. In fact I paid my membership dues in advance,” said Dr Otuoma.

Meanwhile, Mr Odinga arrived in London on Friday from the US where he attended the National Democratic Convention that officially nominated Mrs Hillary Clinton as the party’s presidential candidate.

“Mr Raila Odinga will deliver a lecture at the Royal Institute of International Affairs at Chatham House in London,” said a statement by his spokesman.

Mr Odinga is also expected to hold talks with Britain’s new minister for Africa Tobias Ellwood.