Jubilee’s recent forays in Western Kenya has jolted the opposition coalition CORD to take measures to reclaim support in the vote-rich region.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday met the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Ababu Namwaba where they discussed strengthening the party in the region. The leaders are also planning to keep the pressure on Jubilee as the 2017 polls approach.
The Jubilee administration has in the recent past made deliberate visits to the Western Kenya region with President Uhuru Kenyatta bailing out the troubled Mumias Sugar Company and pledging to spearhead development in the region. The pledges have come with the promise of support by local politicians.
The relationship has also been somehow cemented by the appointment of Eugene Wamalwa as the Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation.
Odinga and Namwamba agreed on ways to counter Jubilee’s growing influence in the region.
The party leader is planning a series of activities in the region to counter those done by Jubilee. The two leaders also agreed to reach out to all CORD members who have been de-whipped as well as addressing specific complaints of each member.
But as a matter of urgency, ODM party MPs and the National Executive Council will have a retreat in early August before holding another on as the entire CORD fraternity on a later date.
Meanwhile, ODM is set to hold its grassroots elections beginning end of July.
Report by Kendagor Obadiah-citizentv.co.ke
