By ERICK NGOBILO engobilo@ke.nationmedia.com and MAZERA NDURYA mndurya@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, February 8 2012 at 22:30
Posted Wednesday, February 8 2012 at 22:30
Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday sought to calm the rising tensions within ODM, stating his deputy Musalia Mudavadi was free to seek the party’s presidential ticket. (Read: ODM legislators downplay Raila, Musalia rivalry)
As Mr Odinga sought to pacify the party supporters in Western Province — the backyard of Mr Mudavadi — the Local Government minister declared that he was in the race up to the end and told off some party members who have urged him to pave way for the PM.
In Nairobi, six MPs urged the two leaders to execute a good fight in the race for the presidential nominations to be conducted in April, arguing that the contest between the ODM party leader and his deputy was a sign of internal democracy.
Speaking in Bungoma as he met the ODM delegates, Mr Odinga asked other parties to keep off ODM affairs and prepare themselves for a bruising battle with the party’s presidential flag bearer at the ballot.
He also asked party supporters to give the Deputy Prime Minister a chance to campaign freely for his nomination, saying, they are members of one team.
Mr Odinga said ODM was going to set an example for other parties to follow in picking a candidate.
We want ODM to show this country the true meaning of democracy. Those who are expecting a fall-out in the party after primaries will be surprised that we will remain a formidable team,” he said.
The PM who addressed several roadside rallies in Bungoma before addressing ODM delegates said competition between him and his deputy was healthy for democracy
The PM’s remarks come in the wake of heated argument pitting party members on the stand taken by Mr Mudavadi who has embarked on a countrywide campaign for his bid to get the party ticket ahead of presidential nominations.
While Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama and assistant minister Joseph Nkaissery have opposed Mr Mudavadi’s decision to go for the party’s presidential ticket, Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo has warned that it will divide the party.
In Nairobi party MPs Mohamud Mohamed, Ababu Namwamba Charles Onyancha, Yusuf Chanzu, John Mbadi and Nicholas Gumbo urged the two party leaders to continue with the contest.
ODM delegates in Western Province have warned of unspecified steps if the Sabatia MP is blocked from seeking the party’s top seat.
Mr Mudavadi on Wednesday vowed not to relent in his bid, arguing that the ODM constitution did not make Mr Odinga automatic presidential candidate.
Speaking a TV interview, the Sabatia MP said competitive politics was healthy for the party’s democracy.
Additional reports by Lucas Barasa and Elisha Otieno
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment