The row between Industrialisation Minister Henry Kosgey and his Roads counterpart Franklin Bett over the running mate position for Prime Minister Raila Odinga has caused a split among ODM legislators and leaders in the Rift Valley. Both camps are engaged in secret but intense lobbying after Raila announced that the party's organs will choose his running mate.
Majority of the South Rift members support Bett while Kosgey has the backing of some in the North Rift. Veteran politician Jackson Kibor, a close ally of the PM, advised that the matter be left to the party organs as announced by the PM. "Those who want the position should campaign and convince party members and delegates so that they have the necessary support ahead of the decision to be taken by the party," said Kibor
During the PM's campaigns in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties a week ago, Bett warned Raila that he should not be intimidated into choosing a running mate. Elders from the South Rift led by Paul Bett yesterday said they back the Roads minister because he had stood with the party even there was pressure on him to quit and join Eldoret North MP William Ruto.
"He is not like some who have been sitting on the fence, at the same time dining with Raila's opponents," said Mzee Paul Bett. Assistant Minister Magerer Langat said: "We support the move because it will involve everyone." Kosgey has been on the campaign trail drumming up support for the PM at public meetings.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment