National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga [PHOTO/kenya-today.com]
National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga has reiterated his tough stance on independent candidates, saying they pose harm to NASA's elections strategy.
Though he said it was their right to vie, Odinga argued that it brought up the issue of conflict of interest between the candidates and himself.
"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 said.
"Even diplomats are concerned that Kenya would set a bad precedent if many independent candidates are elected as it would signal the demise of political parties.
He explained that a parliamentary system can only work well when political parties were strong.
"We must not kill the spirit of political parties in Kenya to build a firm political base for the presidency."