By JOHN KINYUA
There were spectacular scenes in Meru on Saturday where Raila Odinga and Martha Karua were given a heroic welcome by thousands of people when they took their presidential campaigns to the heartbeat of Mt Kenya East.
It was sight to behold as Kinoru Stadium turned into a sea of people who were in a frenzy as they broke into song and dance to welcome their favourite presidential team.
Raila and Karua appeared to have been taken by surprise by the huge turnout and the warmth they were received with that was also attended by Agriculture CS Peter Munya who hails from the region – who has led a spirited campaign to “kick out UDA” from the area.
When he rose to speak, Raila promised the people of Meru that once they vote for him in the 9th August general elections, his government will see to it that miraa farming, which is the most common farm practice in Meru is made more effective.
Raila said that his ally and the president of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has recently found a new market for miraa in Somalia, and he is looking forward to oversee the implementation of this new market to benefit miraa farmers, after he takes over the presidency this August.
He also said to the huge audience in Meru that he is making arrangements with the government of DRC, Congo on how to open a new market for miraa in Congo, as well as establish more local companies to boost the market and encourage value addition for produce, a move that he believes will eminently expand job opportunities among the youths.
“Our promises are accompanied with practical measures, not just issuing empty promises to excite Kenyans, only to fail to deliver later on like other politicians are doing,” he said.
Raila assured Meru farmers that they will be much advantaged since the cabinet secretary for Agriculture, Peter Munya is closer to them and will understand their needs better. He told them that they have a chance to support their own through voting for him in August general elections.
Not forgetting other farmers and practitioners in other sectors, Raila said that his government will offer aid in farming to boost farmers through providing resources, as well as making more grants available for them.
