Amani National Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi has hit back at Raila Odinga over remarks that he would not hand over the presidential ticket to anyone joining Cord.
Mudavadi who had hinted at working with Raila ahead of 2017 polls was angered by the former Prime Minister’s remarks, saying that Cord needs him more that he needs them.
"I am not begging to be in Cord. It is Cord that needs me. In any case, calls for me to partner with Cord started and remain in Cord. Any anxiety is their problem because I am forging on with my presidential bid," said Mudavadi in a rejoinder.
Friday, Raila said that the Orange Democratic Movement was ready to work with other political parties, but will not back outsiders for the presidency. He was speaking during ODM life members’ party.
“I will not support outsiders to use our party ticket for the presidency. Doing so will be abdicating my duty to the party," the opposition leader said.
In a statement, Raila reiterated that Cord was not scouting for a presidential flag bearer, a clear indication that Mudavadi would not be backed by Cord.
"Raila does not intend to go outside Cord to shop for a candidate and will not support a candidate from outside the coalition. He, however, retains his appeal to more politicians and parties to join Cord and vie for the flag-bearer ticket to beat Jubilee next year," read in part a statement issued by his spokesman Dennis Onyango.
There have been rumours that the opposition chief might endorse Mudavadi for presidency despite interest from Cord co-principals Moses Wetangula and Kalonzo Musyoka.
Raila's close allies have rubbished reports that he will endorse another candidate. They include ODM Chairman John Mbadi and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.