ODM-Kenya leaders intended rush to the former colonial masters now cancels the trip fearing the electorate might drope them

*”Four ODM-Kenya presidential aspirants have opted out of the party’s talks in
London. Kalonzo Musyoka, Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto and Julia Ojiambo were among ODM-Kenya leaders who were scheduled to leave for a four-day trip to London tonight.

Other leaders who were supposed to travel to the UK include presidential aspirants Najib Balala, Joseph Nyagah and Nazlin Omar. They were to be joined by Lang’ata MP Raila Odinga, who is on a tour of the United States.

In a statement, the leaders said the debate over the trip had been hijacked by “those with ulterior motives to paint our party in bad light”.

 “We would like to state categorically that ODM leadership were invited by our brethren residing in the UK to go there and share with them our plan and agenda for the future of this country. They also wanted us to inform them as Kenyans, what role they can play in that future,” the statement said.  Bonding session to iron out differences

ODM-Kenya team leader Mutula Kilonzo had said the meeting was organised by the party’s committee in the UK, to enable the aspirants meet their supporters, potential investors and British politicians.

The trip was also supposed to be a bonding session to iron out differences that are threatening to split the party ahead of the nomination of a presidential flag bearer.

The meeting was to be held at Oakington Manor School Hall, Wembley, Middlesex. Ten British MPs and other British civic leaders, especially from the main opposition Conservative Party, had confirmed attendance.

 Another presidential aspirant, former Vice-President Mr Musalia Mudavadi, on Sunday said he would not make the trip, citing local political engagements.

In the statement, the leaders said the party’s flag bearer will be decided by ODM–K members in Kenya. They said their decision was influenced by the heated debate among Kenyans concerning the trip.

“The present debate has clouded this issue and made Kenyans very suspicious of our motive questioning the reason for our travel there,” said the statement.”* 

*”/”*Lifted by Korir and published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.standard.ke