Raila should back me, I have the numbers: Wetang'ula

Cord principals Kalonzo Musyoka (left), Raila Odinga (center) and Moses Wetang'ula attend a rally at Mulu Mutisya Grounds in Machakos County on July 3, 2016. Mr Wetang’ula on July 23, 2016 said nobody was assured of the Cord presidential ticket. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Wetang'ula said that the resistance Mr Odinga faced in some parts of western Kenya during his five-day charm offensive was an indication that he no longer enjoys the support he did previously.
  • Dr Otuoma noted that had Mr Odinga heeded their advice and addressed the issues, wrangles confronting Cord could not have emerged.
  • Funyula MP Paul Otuoma said the outburst by Mr Wetang’ula over Cord flag bearer is due to lack of a post-election agreement between parties in the coalition.

Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula has said that ODM leader Raila Odinga should throw his weight behind his bid for the presidency because he brings more to the table than him.

Speaking on Saturday in Busia, he said the Kenya's politics revolves around communities.

“Let’s unite behind one leader just like Kikuyus have united behind Uhuru, just like Kalenjins have Ruto, Kambas have Kalonzo and Luos have Raila. Let us consolidate our votes and change political game in the country," said Mr Wetang'ula.

He said that the reality is that he is now the main player in western Kenya politics.

“Let Mr Odinga stop imagining that he has Luhyas in his pocket. When time comes, let him bring his numbers on the table, Kalonzo brings his on the table and Weta brings [his] over 3 million votes on the table and we will talk,” said Mr Wetang’ula, who will fight it out with Mr Odinga and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) coalition presidential ticket in the elections next year.

Mr Odinga is holding rallies in the region in an attempt to put the party's affairs in order following the resignation of Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba as secretary-general and his Funyula counterpart as vice chairman.

The region is also under intense pressure by local leaders and governing Jubilee coalition to abandon Mr Odinga.

Speaking in Busia, Mr Wetang’ula said nobody was assured of the Cord ticket, noting that he should be the candidate if he rallies the support of all Luhya people.

“With our numerical strength from my base, it’s automatic that I should be Cord presidential candidate. I have got the support of our people and I bring to table more than what others have,” he said.

He was addresssing a rally in Namboboto, Funyula constituency, during the homecoming of Busia Branch Kenya National Union of Teachers secretary Mark Oseno.

“I will not back down for anyone. I don’t fear any one. I will be on the ballot come 2017,” he vowed.

He said that Mr Odinga cannot win the presidency without the support of his co-principals.

“Raila Odinga needs Kalonzo and I for Cord to form next government. If he goes alone he will terribly fail. I want Cord to remain united,” he said.

He added that he is dedicated to ensure the Luhya community forms a formidable political force saying Kenya’s politics is tribal based.

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He said Jubilee coalition headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto has further divided the country into tribal kingdoms, observing that most public appointments and resources are allocated to their two communities.

Funyula MP Paul Otuoma said the outburst by Mr Wetang’ula over Cord flag bearer is due to lack of a post-election agreement between parties in the coalition.

“We had a pre-election but when we failed to form the government, we left everything hanging. We are yet to know who will be our presidential candidate and this has created more confusion than before,” he said.

Dr Otuoma noted that had Mr Odinga heeded their advice and addressed the issues, wrangles confronting Cord could not have emerged.

He faulted Mr Odinga of favouritism which he said is not healthy for the success of the outfit.

“This is open bias. He has now launched a war on party members who raised their grievances. But if we cannot part of the team then we will have to ship out,” Dr Otuoma said.

His worry was provoked following Mr Odinga's Thursday endorsement of the re-election of Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong. Dr Otuoma has declared interest in the seat.

"There are no sacred cows in the party. You cannot be moving around declaring your favourite candidates and lying to us that nominations will be free and fair," he added.

"We will not allow anyone to come from outside and dictate to us whom to support and how to do it. We cannot continue supporting others yet we have capable leaders in our midst that can run this country well,” said Kiminini’s Chris Wamalwa.

He called upon Dr Otuoma and Mr Namwamba to join Ford Kenya in order to form a formidable Luhya team that will win the most senior post.

“Come 2017, a Luhya will be on the ballot. Whether they like it or not because that time, we will show them that Luhyas can unite,” said Mr Wamalwa.

Editors Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Luhya people no longer trusted Mr Raila Odinga but that has since been corrected.

(Editing by Philip Momanyi)