CORD might delay naming its presidential candidate until March next year. Apparently, although Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party had issued a December 25 deadline for the coalition to name its candidate, Raila Odinga’s ODM party and Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya are more comfortable with a March deadline.
According to sources, this is to avoid allowing the ruling Jubilee Coalition space to undermine the candidate. Additionally, naming the candidate in March will prevent him from tiring too soon.
“We will tread this road carefully. We know Jubilee is pressuring us to know our candidate early so they can start an early smear and attack campaign. We will not give them the satisfaction,” said Dr Eseli Simiyu, Ford-Kenya secretary-general and member of the management committee told Kenya’s Daily Nation.
On Sunday, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto will host Mr Mudavadi, Mr Musyoka and Kanu’s Gideon Moi in what many say will be a first of a series of meetings to popularise the alliance.
The Daily Nation has also established that the search for the man to face President Uhuru Kenyatta has been muted following talks of the formation of a super alliance fronted by Mr Odinga and supported by Mr Mudavadi.
It is understood that Mr Odinga has suggested that talks on the joint candidate be put on hold until those willing to join the alliance are on board and have signed an agreement, preferably by January.
