Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga is among the three hopefuls seeking the party’s presidential ticket in the 2022 polls.
Mr Odinga also sought to end growing doubts about a referendum and quell concerns that his deal with President Kenyatta is on the rocks in a statement released after a meeting of the party’s top organ yesterday.
A statement issued on Thursday by ODM National Elections Board (NEB), which extended the initial deadline of February 26 to March 31 made the names of those who applied for the presidential race ticket public after the deadline which was midnight yesterday.
This announcement ends months of speculation about Mr Odinga’s fifth stab at the presidency.
“We wish to inform our members that as of close of business yesterday, the following persons had submitted their applications in the prescribed manner as Joho, Ali Hassan, Odinga, Raila and Oparanya, Wycliffe Ambetsa,” the statement read.
The NEB added that they shall scrutinize the three applications, vet the candidates as required by the ODM Elections and Nomination Rules and subsequent thereto announce the next processes and time table in accordance with the ODM Constitution.
On Wednesday 31, Raila who has since recovered from Covid-19 chaired the Central Management Committee meeting at his Karen residence making it his first public appearance since contracting the disease.
Mr Odinga also sought to address growing uncertainty about the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum, following suggestions by some quarters that the draft bill does not necessarily require a plebiscite and lately a call by some of his allies, including Mr Oparanya, that it is no longer a priority because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Odinga said Kenyans must have a say in the implementation of the BBI through a vote.
“BBI must be subjected to a referendum because it entails a fundamental reorganisation of the Executive,” Mr Odinga said in the statement after the meeting at his home in Karen.
The ODM chief asked Parliament, which is on recess, to speed up the decision on the document – with eyes on the vote before the end of the year.
He added that ODM is committed to the handshake between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The meeting reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the spirit of the Handshake… that has created an environment of peace and stability required to address the pressing issues facing the country,” the statement added.
Mr Odinga’s talk on the referendum comes amid reports of a plot by some leaders who support the President to sidestep the initiative.
