ODM trashes rivals’ calls for Mudavadi to ditch party

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Prime Minister Raila Odinga (left) with the eldest widow of Mr Elijah Masinde, founder of the Dini Ya Msambwa sect, during the commemoration of the freedom hero’s death. Mr Masinde was buried on his farm at Kamkuywa in Kimilili 24 years ago. Looking on is National Heritage minister William Ole Ntimama. Geoffrey Mwanyanya | PMPS 

By Nation Correspondent
Posted  Sunday, August 28  2011 at  22:00

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Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said those who want his deputy Musalia Mudavadi to launch a separate presidential bid are out to divide the Orange Democratic Movement.

He said his unity with Mr Mudavadi to rally behind a single presidential candidate will make ODM stronger.

A section of leaders from Western Province have been calling on Mudavadi to ditch ODM and contest the presidency.

Raila said the new Constitution has created a level playing ground for all candidates eyeing the presidency pointing out that an able team will be appointed to manage the elections.

He appealed to all presidential candidates to accept and respect the winner of next year’s elections to avoid plunging the country into chaos.

“All those who want to compete are welcome but we shall have only one winner,” he said.

Preparing a team

Raila recalled that poor management of elections by the disbanded Electoral Commission of Kenya had plunged the country into chaos.

“We scored but they said it was offside, now we are preparing our team to ensure we score and emerge victorious,” he said.

Mr Mudavadi said Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa’s presidential bid is bound to fail because even if nominations were held in the G7 Alliance he will be the last.

“He has no chance of contesting the presidency under the G7 Alliance,” Mr Mudavadi said.

The two leaders, who led more than 20 MPs, were speaking in Bungoma County at the home of the late Elijah Masinde the founder of Dini ya Musambwa sect.

Raila said Masinde is a national hero who deserves recognition as provided for in the Constitution.

He directed that a mausoleum be built at Masinde’s grave and his house also be made a museum.

“We should not forget our freedom fighters who were our defenders or else we shall also be forgotten,” he said.