The Independent Party leader Kalembe Ndile has hit out at former Kangundo MP Johnstone Muthama's statements over small parties in Cord. Kalembe yesterday said Muthama's statement undermines the spirit of the coalition.

Muthama had on Monday said the small parties in Cord are confusing voters by fielding candidates for parliamentary, county and women representative seats.

The former government Chief Whip said the majority of Cord supporters only know of ODM, Wiper and Ford Kenya, the three main parties in the coalition.

"Muthama should accept that the smaller parties in the coalition have fielded their candidates for several seats. He should keep off their affairs if he believes in the Cord spirit of togetherness," Kalembe said on the phone. He said the parties conducted their own nominations as was agreed by Cord leaders.

"Muthama must respect us and work towards ensuring Raila wins the presidency in the March 4 general election. He should otherwise concentrate his efforts to winning the Machakos senator seat," said the Tip leader.

Kalembe further said the small parties are promoting democracy by fielding candidates against the big parties in the coalition. He asked Muthama to say whether Wiper, ODM and Ford Kenya nominations were free and fair.

"We cannot allow him to undermine our parties just because they are branded small partners in the coalition. Our contribution towards the presidency vote is enormous and cannot be overlooked," he said.