PH
Ford Kenya party officials want CORD leader, Raila Odinga to give a personal statement condemning the chaos that occurred over the weekend during the presidential launch of Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula.
Bungoma Ford Kenya officials led by County Secretary General Peter Wakhuleka and Youth leader Wafula Wakoli questioned the silence of the opposition chief on fracas that ensued at the meeting, which the ODM Party leader chose to skip.
Speaking to News24 Wednesday, Wakhuleka said Raila should set the record straight and take action on a section of ODM leaders who tried to frustrate the efforts of his fellow Cord Co- Principal to launch his bid for the top seat in the land.
“Being equal partners in the opposition coalition, we expect the former Prime Minister to issue a statement condemning the violence that was perpetuated by ODM officials,” he said.
On Monday, Daraja Nabwera, an aide of Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya was arraigned in court. Police linked Nabwera, whose boss had vocally opposed the launch at Muliro Gardens, to the explosions that disrupted Wetangula’s ceremony for close to 30 minutes.
“Ford Kenya is distinct and independent. Our ODM colleagues need to respect us. For the sake of peace and unity in Cord, our members want Raila to come out and condemn Oparanya. Otherwise they will assume that he had his blessings to disrupt our party leader’s event,” emphasized Wakhuleka.
Wakoli said they do not expect Raila Odinga to bury his head in the sand on the matter regarding the emerging fierce rivalry between partners in the coalition from Western Kenya, warning that if mishandled, the issue might have a big effect on Cord unity.
“This is an explosive matter that needs to be handled with care. He should come out clearly and tell us what his stand is. The issue can divert the attention of Kenyans and weaken the coalition if not addressed early,” explained Wakoli.
