Raila to launch presidential bid next week

By Standard Reporter

KENYA: Prime Minister Raila Odinga is set to launch his presidential bid under the CORD Alliance on Wednesday, next week. This will, however, be preceded by a launch of the harmonised manifesto of CORD affiliate parties on Monday.

A dispatch from the Raila for President Secretariat also indicated that on the day of his presidential bid launch, the premier would officially hand in his nomination papers to the electoral commission.

The statement asked Kenyans to scrutinise the joint manifesto that brings together the aspirations of Wiper, Ford-Kenya, and ODM.

This comes as CORD has lined up a series of rallies in Rift Valley to woe supporters. The statement also said the premier has welcomed reports of presidential debates scheduled for February 11.

The second debate is slated for February 25.

“I welcome these television debates. I am really looking forward to engaging directly with my main opponent Uhuru Kenyatta and the other four aspirants,” read the statement.

Raila said the debates would give Kenyans the opportunity to directly hear the issues the political parties and their candidates have lined up for them if elected.

“This will be a great opportunity for Kenyans to hear directly from the presidential candidates and determine who really has the ability, the experience, the vision, and policies that are required to change people’s lives,” it partly read.