A section of parliamentarians affiliated to the Coalition of Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has condemned a Presidential bid by the team's co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka saying he lacks support.
The Members of Parliament led by Butere MP Andrew Toboso preferred Opposition leader Raila Odinga to fly the coalition's flag come the 2017 General Election, asserting that Odinga stood a better chance in the presidential race due to his huge following.
"Raila has a (voting block in the Coast (and) Nyanza. He can get more than half (of the votes) in Western and Nairobi. He has his hands ready for the split votes from Rift Valley and that's what we look for in presidential material," Lurambi MP Raphael Otaalo said, adding that Musyoka's bid for Presidency was a big joke.
The stormy reaction comes after Musyoka on Saturday, asked the other coalition co-principals to support him in his presidential bid in next year's election.
While addressing a rally in Kwale County, the Wiper party leader exuded confidence in winning the elections, saying that no one would dare steal his votes.
“If my brothers Raila Odinga and Moses Wetang’ula allow me to lead the way, Uhuru Kenyatta will be out of State House by noon. They are used to stealing Raila’s votes but they cannot do it to me,” he said.
Welcoming the announcement, however, Ugenya MP David Ochieng’ said the proclamation by the Wiper leader was a show of democracy upheld by the coalition.
"Kalonzo is perfectly in order to declare his interest in the Presidential seat. It is a welcome move and we are a democratic coalition and we should allow freedom of opinion and expression," Ochieng’ said.
However, his Dagoretti North colleague Simba Arati sought clarification on Musyoka’s rigging remarks, saying it could be better if the co-principal shed light on the claims.
"Unless Kalonzo shares with us how the 2007 General Election was stolen, I do not see how he will stop it," said Mr Arati.
