[ODM Party leader Raila Odinga. He has said that he is under obligation as a leader of a political party to back candidates vying under his party. Courtesy: The Star]
Opposition coalition NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has defended his call to the electorate to reject independent candidates during the forthcoming general elections.
Speaking on Tuesday, the ODM Party leader clarified that he is not opposed to independent candidates, noting that he is obligated as a leader of a political party to back those in ODM.
"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," he said.
"I will support ODM candidates, Kalonzo Musyoka will back Wiper team mates, Moses Wetang'ula will support Ford Kenya candidates, Musalia Mudavadi will root for Amani National Congress candidates and Isaac Ruto will campaign for those in CCM (Chama Cha Mashinani)," he added.
Mr Odinga further pledged to schedule a meeting with all aspirants in Kisumu, that would include party nomination losers in a view of uniting them ahead of the polls.