A section of ODM governors on Monday gave Cord leader Raila Odinga the go-ahead to seek more partners to work with Cord in readiness for the 2017 polls.
This came amid an assurance by Raila to the governors that the party's nominations will be free and fair.
Raila told the group that he has no preferred candidates for the governor seats.
The ODM leader's word comes even as senators - perceived to be close to Raila - have already .
The issues emerged when ten county bosses met Raila at Enashipai Spa in Naivasha.
The meeting reportedly addressed the party's future and nomination plans.
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During the meeting, the governors expressed their concern over the uncertainties of the nominations outcome, in the face of tight rules set by the party.
A source at the meeting told the Star that the governors asked Raila not to take sides during the primaries, and allow the people's choice to carry ODM's flag for the seat.
"The governors were concerned over the party nominations but the ODM leader assured them that he will support a free and fair exercise," the source said.
The source added that Raila downplayed allegations that he had preferred governor candidates.
"Some of the governors were concerned that some of their competitors were bragging that they had Raila’s ear but the former PM downplayed this," the source added.
ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya confirmed that to the press that the 3-hour meeting dwelt on issues of strengthening coalition.
The Kakamega governor said that they discussed that there was need for ODM to seek more partners so that it goes into the elections as a strong team.
"The party leader briefed us on the issue of bolstering the Cord coalition and we are impressed by the work he has done ahead of the coming elections," he said.
Oparanya said that they fully support efforts of the former PM in seeking leaders from other political parties.
He said that the meeting also supported the report by the parliamentary select committee on IEBC reforms - which has already been adopted by parliament.
Oparanya said that during the meeting, Senator James Orengo - who was part of the select committee - took them through the report.
He said that though the report was partially amended, they had faith in the work done by the team.
"Senator Orengo has taken us through the IEBC report as one way of preparing us ahead of the coming general elections," he said, adding that the governors endorsed the report in wait for selection of new IEBC commissioners.
ODM chairman John Mbadi and governors Josphat Nanok (Turkana), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Evans Kidero (Nairobi), James Ongwae (Kisii), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) were among those who attended the meeting.
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