NASA leader Raila Odinga has revealed that he might participate in next week's repeat presidential election if reforms are implented by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Addressing journalists outside the IEBC offices at Anniversary Towers after a closed-door meeting with IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, Mr Odinga stated that if the 12 irreducible minimums are met, he will be back in the race.
[caption caption="Mr Odinga and IEBC Chairman Mr Chebukati"]
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"If proper consultations and reforms are done, and our concerns are addressed, we will reconsider our position," Mr Odinga stated.
The IEBC, according to The Star, will be holding a similar meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday next week, before meeting all the presidential candidates.
Chebukati's October 18th letter to the candidates read in part: “In my capacity as chairperson of IEBC and the National Returning Officer, I observe that it is necessary to have a consultative meeting between yourselves and running mates under the chairmanship of the commission as our country gears up for the presidential election.”
The former Premier together with his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew from the October 26 election and demanded that the IEBC calls for a fresh election.
Mr Odinga further affirmed that he officially withdrew from the repeat poll. He termed the IEBC's decision to keep his name on the ballot as 'strange'.
“The commission insisted that my name remains on the ballot for no apparent reason. I find this strange,” Raila reiterated.
Mr Chebukati was scheduled to meet both President Uhuru and Raila, but the meeting was canceled. The meeting was set for 2.30 pm, but at 10 am but the electoral body called it off, announcing they would communicate once Uhuru and Raila Odinga had agreed on a date.
However, Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Raphael Tuju, categorically dismissed any attempts to have President Uhuru meet Mr Chebukati, stating that such a meeting would be illegal.
[caption caption="NASA Principals (from left) Musalia Mudavadi, Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka"]
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