By Fred Makana
Azimio La Umoja presidential hopeful Raila Odinga has called on Kenyans to ignore political leaders preaching tribal hatred ahead of August 9 general elections as he bagged another huge endorsement from Mt Kenya and Maasai communities.
In a resolution read by Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku the leaders said their support is pegged on the ODM leader’s past and present policy positions that they say are in the best interest of the two communities.
“We reaffirm our support for the efforts of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rt Hon Raila Odinga to unite the country as a prerequisite for national development and we will make efforts to replicate the efforts in our counties,” read the declaration.
The leaders in attendance during the declaration were Governors Ole Lenku (Kajiado), Ann Kananu (Nairobi), James Nyoro (Kiambu)Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko,Youths Affairs PS Charles Sunkuli, Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina, MPs Moitalel ole Kenta (Narok North) and Gideon Konchellah (Kilgoris), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West),Jude Njomo(Kiambu Town), Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Muranga Women Rep Sabina Chege and host of MCAs and former MPs.
The leaders vowed to rally residents and present a united front in support of Raila’s quest for the presidency under the Azimio La Umoja initiative.
They said they had confidence in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s policies, including the Big Four Agenda, saying they are key in realising growth. Governor Nyoro said Raila’s handshake with President Kenyatta restored calm and peace in the country.
Mr Odinga said every Kenyans is entitled to live anywhere in the country without any fear of being evicted.
“We all found ourselves in Kenya from various historical sites and we thereafter co-existed peacefully until the colonial masters decided to use divide and rule tactics in order to acquire our resources. It is therefore disheartening that in this day and age some of our politicians are out to use scaremongering statements like Madoadoa against some communities. It is a constitutional right of every Kenyan to live any part of our beloved country,” said the ODM leader.
Speaking at Safaripark Hotel on Tuesday when he met leaders and professionals drawn from Mt Kenya and Maasai communities, Odinga expressed confidence that he will win the August polls with a landslide.
Raila urged Kenyans to support the Azimio La Umoja initiative saying that it will unite all Kenyans and will carry the day in the August’s polls.
“Those making reckless statements will not change this country and instead will reverse the efforts made by the country in improving the economy which has taken great strides,” said Odinga.
Mr Odinga said that youth, women and business people need to be empowered to be self-reliant.
Mt Kenya Foundation leaders who convened vowed to continue support Raila and the Azimio La Umoja Initiative until the former prime minister clinches the presidency.
MKF Chairperson Peter Munga maintained Raila is the best placed leader who has the experience and the passion to complete President Uhuru Kenyatta’s legacy projects
“Consequently, we commit to work with Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga to build on President Kenyatta’s legacy and make Kenya a great country that every Kenyan is proud to call home,”
Tobiko lauded Raila for conserving Mau Forest saying that he heavily paid the price of conserving Mau forest.
He added that the Maa nation and Mt Kenya at large are in safe hands in the leadership of the former prime minister.
Without naming any particular presidential aspirant, the leaders said they will not be comfortable to see Kenyans led by leaders who are tainted with corruption and who have no firm commitment to protecting the Constitution.
The leaders and professionals who attended the meeting were drawn from Narok, Kajiado, Isiolo, Samburu,Baringo, Marsabit,Nakuru, Meru, Kiambu, Tharaka Nithi, Nyeri, Muranga, Embu and Nairobi counties. Also present were leaders of the Njuri Ncheke and Maasai council of elders.
In the past few weeks Raila has been traversing Mt Kenya and Maa nation counties in bid to consolidate his support in the area which political observers say is likely to determine this year’s presidential election.
