Cord is planning a retreat in which it seeks to strategize on a better way to act as the opposition. Many believe that Cord has lacked leadership, and is currently without a sense of direction. Specifically, there are three issues that Cord must deal with firmly:
1. The place of Raila Odinga in the party. Should Raila Odinga be actively involved in politics. Should he retire or provide inspiration. Should he groom another person to take on the mantle of opposition politics?
2. How to integrate youthful leaders into the party. It is clear that a group around Raila, namely James Orengo, Prof. Anyang Nyong'o, and others wouldn't want to let in younger leaders into the party. The young leaders are thought to be restless, and challenging established party authority. In some Cord support bases, Raila's word has been law, and anyone that goes against it usually faces political oblivion. Will some courageous young leaders agree to take the battle to the old guard?
3. Taking on Jubilee- Jubilee is in charge of the government, and it will be a tough job for Cord to hang on to its members, especially as the government will routinely dangle the carrot before the opposition members. It will be even harder to make Cord members to read from the same script. Even more worrying, up to now, Cord doesn't have a shadow cabinet, which makes it difficult to take on Jubilee.
In sum however, the biggest question will be; " What is the future of Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka in the party?Can they provide effective leadership when they are outside the government, parliament, and any meaningful national political position?
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