Raila denies ODM, CORD change of guard

Kenya's former PM Raila Odinga denies reports linking ODM and CORDS to a crop of young leaders

Updated Monday, June 24th 2013 at 16:54 GMT +3

By Digital Reporter

Former PM Raila Odinga has distanced himself from media reports claiming he lined up a meeting in Bondo where young people would be propped to take over ODM and CORD leadership.

In statement dispatched to the media by his spokesman Dennis Onyango, Raila categorically denied media reports that he has called a meeting at his Bondo home to discuss the future of the Orange Democratic Movement ( ODM) and the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD).

The report was contained in the front page of a local daily and calimed youn leaders were being readied to ascend to ODM and Cord top brass ranks.

“Such reports are attempts to divert attention from serious national issues confronting our country today, such as the efforts by the Executive and its allies in the National Assembly to scuttle the implementation of devolved governance,” Raila said in the statement.

“ ODM and CORD have democratic structures and grassroots networks which will lead the way in formulating the strategies needed for the new political environment prevailing now.” He said arguing he would not initiate such a motion on his own.

The former premier said he  and his communication aides are always available to journalists and he urges them to check with them reports of any important stories related to him.