A key leader they have brought on their side is former National Assembly Speaker Francis ole Kaparo who wants to be UDM chairman. “We are talking to many people and we are ready to make sacrifices to win the next election,” Mr Keter said.
Ms Karua was in Western seeking support for her presidential bid. And four ODM ministers and three assistant ministers said on Sunday they have a strategy to ensure the elections do not end in a run-off.
Ministers Fred Gumo, James Orengo, Otieno Kajwang’, Dalmas Otieno and assistant ministers Oburu Oginga, Ayiecho Olweny, Katoo ole Metito and chief whip Jakoyo Midiwo said they had a campaign in place.
“It’s now or never for Raila to ascend to the presidency following his unwavering support in all corners of the country… what we need to do is consolidate the votes for him come 2012 elections,” Dr Oginga said.
Mr Orengo said they will ensure that the ODM candidate wins the contest in the first round. “We have a well spread out team, we have able pointmen and women in every corner of the country. Our strategy is to ensure Raila wins in the first round,” he said.
“Our opponents’ strategy is not based on any serious issue but on fighting an individual, that is a strategy of failures. “Our strategy is based on making the new constitution work for Kenyans. That is when we can truly say we have a second republic,” Mr Orengo said.
Roads Minister Franklin Bett said Mr Odinga will focus on winning over areas in which he has traditionally performed poorly while retaining his core vote base. “We will engage the people directly in their homes, villages, sub-locations, up to the national level. We will reach them on foot, by road, by air and by boat,” Mr Bett said.
Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo said the next election will be won at the county level.
“The Constitution is very clear that for you to take over the leadership of the country you have to get the support of 24 counties. This is because the county is the major unit of devolution,” Mr Gumbo said.
Under the Constitution, a presidential candidate is required to win a quarter of the votes cast in at least 24 counties apart from getting more than half of the votes cast countrywide to be declared a winner.
Full Article: Daily Nation: – Politics |Kenya election team plans to enrol 19m voters.