Opposition leader Raila Odinga took his Azimio la Umoja campaigns to Kisumu on Friday where he asked his Nyanza political base to deliver a 100 per cent turnout on August 9, polls.
Raila’s return to Kisumu also served as his last leg blessings from the region.
Addressing the rally, Raila promised his arch-rival deputy president William Ruto a gruelling duel in the August polls.
” I don’t fear you. You have called me names, made derogatory remarks against me but am ready to do battle with you politically,” he said.
The opposition chief declared in Kisumu that he is determined to ensure Kenya succeeds in its efforts to secure economic liberation.
” This is the third and the last liberation. The first was an independent struggle. The second was constitutional reforms,” he said.
He promised to set up a factory in each of the sub Counties across the country.
The factories will ensure the jobless Kenyans get jobs.
“Baba care will ensure every Kenyan has access to medical care at affordable rates,” he said on his plan for health.
He also pledged to take care of single mothers who are not in meaningful income-generating activities.
“A social protection fund will be established by my government to help those who are poor in the country,” he said.
Raila noted that his experience as PM enabled him to know how money can be sourced to fund initiatives his government will be implementing
“We will seal corruption loopholes to ensure money for development is available,” he said.
The opposition leader said his sentiments in Wajir was misunderstood and apologized to those who got it wrong.
Odinga said he is seeking to unite the country and could not discriminate any region based on tribe.
He also appealed to the police to stop harassing boda boda operators.
“Not all boda boda operators are bad. Seek out the few bad elements and deal with them but don’t target all of them,” he said.
The ODM leader said he had reached out to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the issue.
The former prime minister and Uhuru are expected to sign the Azimio la Umoja coalition deal.
The president will be the movement’s patron.
Leaders affiliated with Azimio trooped to Kisumu to reaffirm their support for Odinga.
They included governors Charity Ngilu( Kitui), Ali Hasan Joho (Mombasa), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Anyan’g Nyong’o (Kisumu), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) and Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay).
By midday, Jomo Kenyatta stadium, the venue of the rally, was already full to capacity, with jubilant ODM supporters who thronged the 10,000 capacity stadium chanting Azimio la Umoja slogans.
They were kept engaged by a team of Benga musicians from the Western and Nyanza regions who belt out different tunes of the latest songs in praise of various political players.
Despite the sweltering heat, the entertainment team ensured it was never a dull moment for the mammoth crowd and the leaders who graced the occasion.
It was a peaceful rally even as supporters of aspirants seeking various seats, particularly those from Kisumu county had occasional run-ins as they sought to show their political might to attract the attention of the party leader.
Moments before Odinga arrived, those steering the event were forced to repeatedly plead with the supporter who were carrying banners of preferred candidates to conduct themselves with decorum so as not to embarrass the former premier and his guests.
At 1.55 pm, Odinga’s convoy snaked its way into the stadium as electrified sea of supporters went into a frenzy-dancing to the beats of ‘Lero ni Lero’ song.
The Azimio allied leaders said the country had resolved to reject DP William Ruto’s bid because he had failed the integrity test.
While rooting for Odinga, the leaders noted that Kenya was a great country that can not be led by a leader who is tainted by graft cases.
The rallying call by the leaders who spoke at the meeting was for Odinga’s supporters to ensure they vote to the last man in August 9 polls.
Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said Odinga’s ten-point agenda will steer the country to greater heights.
” We are supporting Odinga because of his selflessness and dedication to transform this country,” he said.
Teso North MP Okuu Kaunya said Busia county will continue to support Odinga until he ascends to State House.
However, the National Cohesion and Integrity Commission (NCIC) came under fierce criticism for summoning Odinga over his remarks while at the campaign trial.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo accused NCIC of bias and vowed to put together a team of lawyers to vigorously defend him over the allegations.
Lamu West MP said coast region was fully behind Odinga’s bid and vowed to mop-up every vote from area.
Nominated MP Maina Kamanda said the Mt Kenya region had also resolved to back Odinga for the first time.
” We have made up our minds and Odinga is steadily scaling the mountain with our full support,” he said
Former Jubilee party secretary-general and cabinet minister Raphael Tuju said the Luo nation has never been close to getting the presidency as it is in this year’s election.
” I just want to urge those of you who are yet to register as a voter to do so so that we actualize this dream,” he said.
Dr Mukhisa Kitui said Kenyans were grateful for the contribution made by leaders from the Luo community in regards to the fight for the second liberation in the country.
Former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth said Odinga was the undisputed Azimio presidential candidate.
” We have moved all over the country and the feedback is clear- the country is ready for Odinga presidency,” he said.
Kieni MP Kanini Kenya said it was his first time to back Odinga and he was certain the former PM will win. He asked the DP to respect Odinga.
” You are a lightweight who can’t compare yourself to Odinga,” he said.
He said he was in Kisumu to deliver the goodwill message from the people of the central region and that of the president.
Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi dismissed Ruto’s plan to create a parallel tallying center during the August election.
“We will still trounce you, as Azimio even with that centre,” he said.
Senate minority whip Senator James Orengo thanked President Uhuru for remaining true to their handshake agreements.
” We are happy with you bwana president. You are a genuine friend. A friend indeed,” he said.
” There is a good reason for electing Odinga. Kenya deserve respect in the face of the international community and in the league of nations,” Orengo said.
Speaking at the event, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua said Ukambani was locked behind Azimio.
Kitui governor Charity Ngilu said they will work to ensure the voter turnout in all Azimio strongholds is doubled.
” We are thankful for the president for saying baba tosha. This is your time,” she said.
ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya asked OKA to ensure they board the Azimio train.
The Kakamega governor said the Azimio train has left the station and the OKA team risk being left out.
His Mombasa counterpart Ali Joho said this time the DP is cornered.
” Odinga is not corrupt. He is not a tribalist. He has never harmed anyone,” he said.
“We are going to do whatever it takes to ensure Odinga become the next president,” he said.
MPs who attended the Friday rally included Junet Mohammed (Suna East), Shakil Shabir( Kisumu East), Fred Ouda ( Kisumu Central) Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Lilian Gogo(Rangwe), Adipo Okuome(Karachuonyo), Jared Okelo (Nyando), Onyango Koyoo(Muhoroni), Millie Odhiambo ( Suba North), On’gondo Were( Kasipul), Martin Owino(Ndhiwa), Eve Obara (Kabondo/ Kasipul, Samuel Atandi (Alego-Usonga).
Others are Elisha Odhiambo(Gem), Christine Ombaka, James Nyikal (Seme), Mark Nyamita( Uriri), Paul Abuor( Rongo), Gideon Ochanda(Bondo) Peter Masara(Suna West), Pamela Odhiambo (Migori), Olago Aluoch (Kisumu west), Jeremiah Kioni, Kanini Kega , senators Ochilo Ayako ( Migori), Fred Outa(Kisumu), Rose Nyamunga(nominated), Moses Kajwang'( Homa Bay) , deputy governor Joyce Ngugi( Kiambu) , Caro Karuga( Nyeri) among others.
