At Least 30 Governors Back Raila Odinga’s Presidential Bid

NAKURU,Kenya, Jan, 17 – Former prime minister Raila Odinga hopes to clinch the presidency in the upcoming general elections. His aspirations to become the country’s fifth president Monday received a huge boost after at least 30 governors endorsed him for the country’s top seat.

Under the Azimio La Umoja umbrella, the governors said that the former premier is not only the best candidate but the only one who has consistently defended and championed for the devolved system of governance which he intends to strengthen even further if he wins.

While addressing the press in Naivasha,the governors vowed to mobilize resources to campaign for Odinga.

“After deliberations we shall support Raila due to his track record in devolution, people-focused politics and campaign, commitment to peaceful elections and the future of this country,” said  Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi.

“Just like us, he wants to build an alliance to prevent the country from falling in the wrong hands and backsliding into monolithic and dictatorial conditions. We have no time to waste on pre-election or post-election standoffs and violence,” further said Ndiritu.

“Devolution has done a lot in terms of health, education, infrastructure and water and hence the need to add funds allocated to counties,” said Raila Odinga.

Odinga credited devolution for the transformational changes being witnesses in counties….that has in turn improved resident’s economic fortunes.

Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana also hailed Odinga’s transformational agenda saying that he has shelved his presidential ambitions to back him.

“Am still young and after consultations I have decided to back Raila for the coming elections as he has all the potential to lead this country,” he said.

The governors have meanwhile called on youth to register as voters amidst a registration drive by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“We shall mobilize our resources and manpower to make sure that our youths register as voters so that they can participate in the coming general elections,” said Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyajui.

The county bosses accussed his opponents particularly Deputy President William Ruto who they describes as an ‘enemy’ of devolution and constitutionalism by opposing a recent push to allocate more funds to the counties.

“History has clearly identified Ruto as one man who is opposed to devolution and Kenyans should not make a mistake of voting for him in the elections. In 2005, 2010 and 2021, Ruto was in the forefront of rejecting the constitution and reforms through BBI which would have increased funding to counties,”said Kitui governor Charity Ngilu.

“We have credible information that the DP plans to do away with devolution and the way of protecting it is by rejecting him in the next general elections,” said Mombasa Governor Ali Joho.

Those present were Francis Kimemia ( Nyandarua), James Nyoro (Kiambu), James Ongwae (Kisii), Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado), Ali Korane (Garissa), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Alex Tolgos (Elego Markwet) and Martin Wambora (Embu).

Others were Granton Samboja (Taita Taveta), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), Mohammed Kuti (Isiolo), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Sospeter Ojamong (Busia), Anyang Nyong’o (Kisumu) and Anne Kananu (Nairobi) among others.