Jirongo calls on Wetangula, Khalwale to quit CORD

Former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo has called on Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula and Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale to quit CORD and seek national support for ahead of the 2017 General Election.

The outspoken MP said Wetangula had no chance of being endorsed as CORD presidential candidate with the coalition leader, Raila Odinga, also in the race for presidency.

“The first option is for Wetangula to quit CORD. Raila already assumes he is CORD’s automatic presidential candidate and there is no way to change that within the coalition.”

“I have told Raila in several meetings that we cannot join an alliance to dance for others. We will only go into an agreement with others based on equity respect and understanding.”

He called on Wetangula to form a coalition with Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi, Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale and Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to consolidate his support in the region ahead of the next elections.

Wetangula has on several occasions ruled out the possibility of walking out of CORD saying he is in the coalition to stay.

The CORD co-principal however urged his fellow leaders in the coalition, Kalonzo Musyoka of Wiper and Raila Odinga of ODM, to support his presidential bid, adding that he is better placed to defeat President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Cracks appeared in the coalition in the past months after all the three CORD leaders reiterated their interest in running for the presidency.

While Wiper urged Raila to back down owing to an MoU signed prior to the 2013 elections allowing Raila to only run once, the ODM leader has rubbished the MoU saying it would have only been applicable had he won the 2013 elections.

@benjaminwafula