Kalonzo hopeful of CORDs backing for 2017 presidential bid

Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka is optimistic of landing the backing of Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) in his 2017 presidential bid.

Speaking after the party’s National Executive Council meeting at Maanzoni Lodge in Machakos County, Musyoka expressed confidence that CORD co-principals Raila Odinga and Moses Wetangula will back him to clinch the coalition presidential ticket.

Reports indicate that differences between Musyoka and Machakos Governor Dr. Alfred Mutua resurfaced at the two-day retreat with two MPs allied to Mutua storming out of the NEC meeting.

Kilome MP Regina Ndambuki and Nominated MP Bishop Robert Mutemi are reported to have stormed out in protest after they were allegedly accused of being disloyal to the party.

Wiper Secretary General Omar Hassan, however, denied the claims saying the supremacy battle between Musyoka and Mutua were not part of the agenda in the NEC meeting.

Musyoka’s pronouncements came a day after Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana called on ODM party boss and CORD leader Raila Odinga to support him (Musyoka) in his presidential ambitions.

In his address on Sunday, Kibwana said Odinga should reciprocate the support he received from Musyoka in 2013 by supporting him in the next General Elections.