By LILLIAN ONYANGO laonyango.
 
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) has launched a unit designed to add energy to the alliance's presidential campaigns.
The team dubbed Cord Effect plans to increase Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s chances of clinching the presidency in the March 4 General Election by injecting youth and vigour in campaigns.
Cord Effect chaired by Sports minister Ababu Namwamba will use road shows, town hall meetings and make appearances in talk shows to reach the people.
He will be assisted by Wiper's Charles Kilonzo. Nairobi politician John Kiarie is the group's secretary in charge of logistics.
Other members include: Kisumu West ODM nominee Rosa Buyu, former Kasarani MP Elizabeth Ongoro, Embakasi West aspirant Brian Weke and all East African Legislative assembly (EALA) Cord members.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, the coalition’s flagbearer Raila Odinga likened Cord Effect to ODM’s Reloaded campaign.
“This one is going to sting and they will feel the effect of Cord Effect. We are in campaign mode and this team has the energy for it,” he said during a press briefing held in Nairobi.
"We have put together a team younger than those making noise about their ages. Some of them are two years younger than me but they want the country to believe that I am their grandparent.”
On Monday, Mr Odinga unveiled a 10-point campaign manifesto largely focusing on job creation, poverty reduction and equal distribution of resources if elected head of State.
On Tuesday, the PM sought to make a correction on the manifesto terming it as a “printing error".
“It should not be misunderstood that we are trying to re-introduce forex exchange controls. We will remain fairly liberalised and what we meant to introduce is an instrument to intervene particularly in the petroleum sector when the multinationals refuse to pass on the benefit of reduction of crude oil in the international markets to the consumers in the country,” Mr Odinga said.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka – Mr Odinga’s running mate – said the team is tasked with the responsibility of consolidating "the lead we command over our worthy rivals".
"The upcoming election is the most definitive in this generation. As we have said many times before, there are two political currents that are in contention, diametrically opposed visions for our beloved nation,” he said.
Status quo
He described Cord’s vision as that of fundamental change anchored on national unity and justice for all.
“The other side represents the status quo, so deeply marred in internal strife unable to agree on anything except their distaste for those committed to reform,” Mr Musyoka said.
He explained that Cord Effect is not just a campaign vehicle but a peek into the dynamism that it is promising Kenyans.
Mr Namwamba said Cord Effect was up to the task and told opponents to focus on what they can do and not dwell the biological age of rivals.
“And so I challenge Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto and our worthy rivals to tell us what they did with their youth because when we look at your character and your history we see a youth that is empty in action and rich on rhetoric,” he said.
Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka signed a memorandum of understanding between the coalition and the Kenyan farmers, business and special interest groups represented by Kipkorir ole Menjo.
The PM said the MoU was a firm commitment that agriculture as the back bone of the country will be taken seriously by his government as promised in the Cord manifesto.