Monday, September 6, 2010

ODM rivals unite, vow to win Makadara by-election

By BEAUTTAH OMANGA

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has intervened to end political feuds between ODM leaders in Makadara, Nairobi.

He prevailed upon different politicians in the area to rally behind party candidate Reuben Ndolo in the forthcoming by-election.

Raila chaired a stormy meeting on Monday at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) where supporters of Mr Ndolo and those of deputy City Mayor George Aladwa at some point clashed moments before the PM arrived.

" It was Ndolo’s supporters who caused the tension at KICC. Some people who had not been invited gatecrashed leading to the commotion," said Mr Aladwa.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi and ODM Chair Henry Kosgey were present at the meeting to reunite the rival factions.

Raila reconciled Ndolo, Aladwa and Mr Dan Shikanda who vowed work together and deliver the seat to the party.

" I have heard your advise as my party leader and from now henceforth I will address rallies jointly with Ndolo to ensure ODM wins," said Aladwa.

He had earlier threatened to throw his weight behind any other candidate to protest Ndolo’s candidature.

Direct nomination

The party headquarter gave Ndolo a direct nomination, a move that annoyed several ODM hopefuls in the constituency.

But on Monday, Raila explained the reasons the party opted for this approach.

" Ndolo went to court to challenge the election in the area and some leaders stood on the fence only to emerge after the court verdict," he said.

Speaking at the event the PM advised all ODM leaders to focus on the next General Election.

Said Raila: "There are many seats coming up in 2012. We should remain united as a party as we move forward."

Mr Mudavadi, who prevailed upon Aladwa and Shikanda to support the former MP, said: "We must win Makadara seat since we truly have high chances there. We will only capture it if you people remain united and support Ndolo."

Addressing the press later, Aladwa said he felt cheated out of the nomination, but agreed to support Ndolo for the sake of the party and the respect he has for Raila and Musalia.

Kosgey said besides Makadara, the party was keen to capture two parliamentary seats in Juja and Starehe where it has fielded candidates for the August 20 by-election.

"We are facing by-elections which we must win. The recent losses in South Mugirango and Matuga have not dampened our spirit as a leading party," he said.

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