Stung by criticism of its dismal performance over the last year, opposition coalition Cord leaders have begun works to revamp the coalition. Cord principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetang’ula are discussing a shadow cabinet that will be named shortly. The coalition might also replace Minority Leader Francis Nyenze when it names the shadow cabinet.
Yesterday Nyenze confirmed that discussions will be completed in a matter of days. “We are trying to match roles and expertise. We have been operating on ad hoc basis but now we want to have a structured way of handling issues in Parliament. We will have spokespersons for each sector making up our shadow cabinet,” said Nyenze.
Each shadow minister will be given a detailed job description with clear deliverables. They will be appraised yearly by their colleagues in Parliament to ensure that those who do not perform will be replaced. “The idea is to create a team that will be ready to take over government when we win in 2017,” said Homa Bay senator Otieno Kajwang. The coalition has also agreed to have regular meetings to discuss emerging issues and take common positions.
Last Wednesday there was one meeting in anticipation of the parliamentary debate on payments to Anglo Leasing which was later withdrawn by the government following hostility from Jubilee MPs.
The meeting was chaired by Wetang’ula and was attended were MPs and senators from ODM, Wiper and Ford-Kenya. The coalition agreed to vote against the Anglo Leasing payments.
“When we finished the meeting, we were all united in our approach and agreed that Junet Mohammed of Suna East would name the Kenyan owners of Anglo Leasing scandal,” said an MP who attended the meeting.
The coalition has also agreed to hold joint rallies especially in their electoral strongholds. This weekend Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Wetang’ula head to Nyanza for a series of events that will culminate in a harambee in Awendo.
“We want to remind our supporters that we are not dead and they should not give up. We lost elections but we have a chance again in 2017. So let’s begin to prepare by taking ID cards,” said Siaya senator James Orengo.
From Nyanza the coalition partners will head to Eastern, Coast and Western Kenya for harambees and to thank supporters for their continued support. Each party has been asked to put its house in order by ensuring that vacant positions are filled and more members are recruited.
ODM has been without officials since its party elections were disrupted by the ‘men in black’ on February 28. Before he left for America two months ago, ODM leader Raila Odinga set up an interim leadership team with representatives from both factions.
Next week acting ODM party leader Professor Anyang Nyong’o has organised a retreat with the Ababu Namwamba and Agnes Zani factions. The team will draw up a clear work plan for recruiting new members, filling vacant positions and electing new national officials.
- the-star.co.ke
