ODM organs will pick running mate, says Raila

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Prime Minister Raila Odinga (right) and ODM chairman Henry Kosgey (left) in a jovial mood during a rally at Kapsabet Stadium in Nandi County August 25, 2012. Mr Odinga said ODM top organs will pick his running mate.  

By PMPS
Posted  Saturday, August 25  2012 at  18:14

IN SUMMARY

• Mr Odinga says matter was a weighty one and he would be contravening party policies by making a unilateral announcement on his running mate.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said the relevant Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) organs will pick his running mate in the next General Election.

Mr Odinga said the matter was a weighty one and he would be contravening party policies by making a unilateral announcement on his running mate.

The PM was speaking during a campaign rally at Kapsabet Stadium Saturday.

Responding to appeals by leaders to appoint Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey his running mate, the PM, who is also the ODM party leader, asked them to be patient as the party organs make the important decision.

Mr Odinga said the International Criminal Court (ICC) decision refusing to confirm crimes against humanity charges in respect of Mr Kosgey had vindicated his innocence.

"We are also wishing our brothers who are still faced with similar charges at The Hague well," he said at Mr Kosgey's Tinderet in Nandi county during the minister’s homecoming ceremony.

Mr Odinga  asked ODM members, who have defected to other political outfits to rejoin the party, saying the Orange party had the best chance of forming the next government.

"We want the ODM family back together so that we can forge forward together as we build this country when we form government next year,” he said.

Safeguard gains

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Mr Odinga  urged Kenyans to safeguard the gains made since the promulgation of the Constitution and in particular its implementation, saying it was at risk of becoming a mere paper if not rigorously implemented.

"The Constitution has enemies, especially those who don’t want powers to be devolved and that is why there was a recent attempt to appoint county commissioners when such positions are not provided for by the Constitution.”

Mr Kosgey thanked those who prayed for him during his most trying time and asked that the same prayers be extended to those still faced with similar charges at The Hague.

He thanked the PM and ODM for keeping his ministerial post for him during his tribulations saying it was a demonstration of the confidence they had in his abilities.