NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga. [Photo/ Courtesy of RO]
NASA flag-bearer Raila Odinga has explained why he has opposed independent candidates in the August 8 general election. In a meeting with ODM losers, who have now become independent candidates, Raila said that it was his duty as the party leader to support ODM nominees to avoid having a conflict of interest. “I have not condemned independent candidates. It is their right to leave the party and run as independents. But it would be a conflict of interest if I campaigned for independents and left out my ODM flag bearers,” Raila said, as per The Standard. The ODM leader, who will face off with Jubilee’s Uhuru Kenyatta in the presidential contest, was meeting the independent candidates to get their endorsement. They, however, complained to him how the primaries were not free and fair. He revealed his agreement with other NASA pentagon members on who to back during the campaigns.“I will support ODM candidates, Kalonzo Musyoka will back Wiper team mates, Moses Wetangula will support Ford Kenya candidates, Musalia Mudavadi will root for Amani National Congress candidates and Isaac Ruto will campaign for those in CCM,” he said. Raila plans to meet aspirants in his strongholds in a bid to unite them. Analysts have warned of the danger of Raila losing support from some voters in his strongholds — because of campaigning against the independent candidates.