MURANG’A,Kenya, Jan, 29 – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga Saturday was on a charm offensive in the vote rich Mt. Kenya county of Murang’a to drum up support for his presidential bid under the Azimio La Umoja campaign ahead of the August 9,2022 elections.
Symbolically equipped with a Memorandum of Understanding by area leaders signifying their commitment to rally behind and champion for his cause – as well as a pair of sneakers, fit to ‘scale the mountain’ Odinga reiterated his commitment to guaranteeing the county’s economic prosperity.
Under his presidency, the ODM party leader as guided by the Azimio La Umoja 10 point agenda said that he will seek to leverage the county’s agricultural bounty in order to generate great economic fortunes for residents, majority of whom solely rely on agriculture as their source of livelihood.
Murang’a is known for engaging in tea,coffee and dairy farming.
“Every sector has challenges, we know the challenges and we will solve them.Farmers must earn from their sweat. Industries must be brought here,we must bring value addition so that we take advantage of agricultural products,” said Odinga.
The former premier who relayed president Uhuru Kenyatta’s greetings to the jubilant supporters who thronged the Ihura stadium said that already plans are underway to facilitate the reduction of fertiliser prices by nearly double its current cost following outcry by farmers within the next fortnight.
“We will look after the interest of small and medium enterprises so that their business can thrive. Those that want to start businesses will get money from the government and will not pay anything until after 7 years…so that people can lift themselves economically and improve their social status,” he said.
Several programmes are also expected to assist the unemployed, single parents, women and the youth.
Already, Odinga has pledged a Sh6,000 monthly kitty for 2 million needy families across the country.
“I know where money is…I will seal all loopholes and deal with it. It is a promise we will honour,”
While reiterating his political and historical ties with the county as well as with its leaders such as the late Kenneth Matiba, Odinga said that his administration will seek to complete and even enhance projects started by president Uhuru Kenyatta not only in the county but also across the region.
Major road projects such as the Kenol-Sagana-Marua highway are expected to boost the economic fortunes of the county.
The former Roads and Public Works minister under the Kibaki government further said that,”we want Kenyans to do business here… we want to bring change.”
Other projects Under the Azimio La Umoja’s 10 point agenda that will be implemented under an Odinga presidency include a massive urbanisation drive that will see the construction of modern housing for residents, reliable water supply projects, enhanced electricity connectivity among other social programmes.
To promote health among Kenyans, Odinga said he will introduce a programme dubbed ‘Baba Care’, that will see all Universal Health care initiatives extended to all Kenyans.
Odinga meanwhile encouraged youth to register as voters while cautioning them against falling victim to his political opponents who promise ‘air’ using faulty campaign pledges and empty slogans.
Similar sentiments were echoed by leaders that joined Odinga on the campaign trail including area legislators, several governors and senators as well as Cabinet Secretaries and prominent business persons.
“The time to decide is now,we are in Azimio La Umoja,all the roads lead here. We want to see continuity and projects to be completed,” said former legislator Kembi Gitura.
“We want Raila to be president,we were in Nyeri Friday and residents there support baba,” said Kanini Kega, MP Kieni.
“We do not want politics of insults,” said Wajir women representative Fatima Gedi.
“Raila is a humble man,people insulting him are the age of his children but we know he will be president. We condemn that behaviour,” said Peter Kenneth.
“We know Raila’s manifesto. For 50 years he has dedicated his life for this country and he has suffered for this country. Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy will only be carried forward by Raila Odinga,” said Transport CS James Macharia.
Other leaders meanwhile promoted peace as the country fast approaches election day on August,2022.
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