The COST OF STEALING the election is REGRETTABLE – Raila Odinga

The opposition Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) has warned the Jubilee administration against rigging the August 8 elections saying that the consequences of such a move will be dire.

CORD leader, Raila Odinga, while addressing the opposition members at the Bomas of Kenya during a meeting to officially unveil the National Super Alliance (NASA) – which brings together more than five opposition parties, said that stealing of the election will be costly to the nation.

“The cost of stealing this election will be regrettable, therefore don’t try it,” Odinga told the government.

CORD has in the recent past accused the Jubilee administration of plotting to rig the 2017 election in favour of the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The opposition has consistently argued that the recent move by the Jubilee administration to amend the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2015 is part of a ploy by the government and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to steal the vote.

In his address, Odinga urged the opposition supporters to discard the fears that the government will rig the elections.

“Yes, Jubilee will try to steal the elections, but we shall not allow it, we shall make it impossible for anyone to steal the election.”

In a meeting that saw more than five political parties sit under one roof, Odinga noted that the country has been tested beyond the limits for the last four years and cannot stand another five years of Jubilee leadership.

“The elections of 2017 will determine whether we remain a viable nation or we go the route of collapse that has stalked much of Africa,” warned Odinga.

The former Premier said that through mass voter registration in opposition stronghold, it will be easy for them to remove the Jubilee government from office.

Odinga claimed that the 2013 voter registration exercise deliberately denied supporters in the CORD stronghold the voter’s cards, noting that they will monitor the registration exercise across the country and ensure that IEBC registers the maximum number voters each of the 30 days.

“We must not allow the IEBC to get away with mischief.”

“We are here to agree to stop Jubilee from ruining our country beyond August 2017. Defeating Jubilee in August is not about the opposition taking power, it is a national duty and a civic responsibility to save Kenya,” added Odinga.

Odinga emphasized on voter registration, voting and protecting the vote as key to winning this year’s General Election.

On the highly contested nominations, Odinga promised a free, fair and transparent process adding that they will not allow fraud in the process.

Among those present were ANC’s Musalia Mudavadi, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula and KANU Secretary General, Nick Salat.

The well-attended meeting, also saw aspirants seeking various seats in the different opposition parties, delegates and party supporters join their leaders in their quest come August.