CORD leaders in a show of solidarity as they seal marriage

By Felix Olick

Leaders of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) officially sealed their political marriage at Uhuru Park, Nairobi, in pomp, colour and style.

The three leaders, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Trade Minister Moses Wetangula exchanged their marriage vows by hugging passionately after their final line-up was unveiled signifying another milestone in the race to State House.

They held hands in a show of solidarity to indicate end of rivalry between the three parties, ODM, Wiper Democratic Movement, and Ford- Kenya.

With Raila standing on the right and Wetangula on the left, Kalonzo made the important announcement that sent the sea of humanity into frenzy.

“Mimi najiondoa kumwachia ndungu yangu Raila Amolo Odinga (I am paving way for my brother Raila Amolo Odinga),” announced the VP amid cheers by the thrilled supporters who had taken over the grounds. There was a brief interlude into Kalonzo speech with the three leaders and their brigade breaking into song and dance.

The happenings yesterday were reminiscent of 2002 when President Kibaki was sworn in after defeating the independence party Kanu.

After Kalonzo’s, Raila ‘tosha’ declaration, their supporters began singing: Yote yawezekana bila Ruto (All is possible without Ruto).

A similar song that was sung to former President Moi after his choice of successor, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta was trounced in the polls.

At the rally, ODM’s orange colours blended with Wiper’s white colours and Ford Kenya’s green colours to form a pattern as diverse as the thousands of supporters who had thronged the park.

Earlier, the trio made a triumphant entry into the city and were received with jubilation.

Ecstatic supporters

They were treated to a heroic welcome by ecstatic supporters who had thronged Uhuru Park.

The pick-up carrying the trio snaked its way into the park at exactly 10 minutes past one.

They waved at their supporters who had lined up as they drove slowly into the park from Serena Hotel where they had gathered to sign the power sharing deal.

In the same vehicle were also two Wiper Democratic Movement leaders David Musila and Johnstone Muthama who were key in implementing the power deal that brought together the former political rivals.

But before they could leave for Uhuru Park, hundreds of supporters made their way to the Hotel chanting baba yetu ako wapi? (where is our father?) in apparent reference to the PM.

There was a near stampede after security officers blocked supporters from entering Uhuru Park. The situation was however contained.

And as the three leaders took their seats at the podium, Uhuru Park came to a standstill yet again following the arrival of former Mungiki leader and Mkenya Solidarity party leader Maina Njenga.