Kenya PM says party not shaken by deputy's exitBy PETER LEFTIE in Nairobi | Thursday, May 3   2012 at  11:52

Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said the departure of his deputy Musalia Mudavadi from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would not shake the party.

Addressing the media at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi Thursday after returning from a week-long tour of the US, Mr Odinga challenged Mr Mudavadi and other MPs who had ditched ODM to resign from parliament and seek a fresh mandate from their constituents.

“When I disagreed with Ford Kenya, I quit my Lang'ata parliamentary seat and sought fresh mandate. I have told them to be bold enough and quit all positions. They are breaking the law,” Mr Odinga stated. 

Mr Odinga said he enjoyed a cordial relationship with Mr Mudavadi and wished him well in his presidential ambitions.

“Hon Mudavadi and I have had a very productive an fruitful relationship. I wish him the very best in this new endeavour.”

On Wednesday, Mr Mudavadi announced he had resigned as Local Government minister and deputy ODM party leader to join the United Democratic Forum party.

The Sabatia MP said he would use UDFP to contest the presidency.

However, Mr Mudavadi maintained he would not relinquish the post of Deputy Prime Minister and would also remain as Sabatia MP.

But addressing a small group of party supporters who turned up at the airport to welcome him in Kiswahili, Mr Odinga described his former deputy as a traitor whose departure will not affect ODM’s popularity.