ODM leader Raila Odinga was received by thousands of jubilant people in his tour of Meru County where the governor Kiraitu Murungi declared him the front runner in the 2022 presidential race.
Raila who is a two-day tour of Mt Kenya East held rallies in all the major towns of Meru before proceeding to Embu on Tuesday culminating in the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kirinyaga County on Wednesday.
In all the places he toured Raila was received by happy residents who broke into song and dance as they welcomed the ODM leader in a region where politicians allied to DP Ruto had declared he would receive lukewarm support.
Raila addressed people in Maua town, Maili Tatu, Laare, Kangeta, Muthara, Nchiru and ended the busy day at Meru-Makutano but also visited Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) where we addressed the students fraternity at the institution.
“ODM Leader and front-runner presidential aspirant in next year’s polls, Rt Hon Raila Odinga today made a tour of the County where he presented his policies and what he will deliver for our people should he ascend to power to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta,’’ said Kiraitu.
Kiraitu urged Meru people to carefully consider next year’s polls so as to vote for the candidate who shows willingness and desire to work for the best interests of the County such as addressing the problematic Miraa market, infrastructure and other developments that seem to have stalled in the County.
He said the country approaches next year’s general elections, Meru County will use Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) to negotiate with potential presidential candidates on securing the best interests of Meru people.
“I am glad that Hon Raila has pledged to work with me to re-open Miraa market and also ensure there is creation of jobs for the youth, improve SMEs as well as other businesses to ensure progress and development of our County,’’ said Kiraitu.
On his part Raila pledged to work with the like-minded leaders to address the issues still affecting the people of the region especially the creation of a stable Miraa market.
And as consequence, ODM deputy party leader and Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho abolished the cess paid to his county government for Miraa causing the people to break into song and dance.
Raila was joined in the Meru tour by several other leaders among them Agriculture CS Peter Munya, Laikipia Governor Nderitu Muriithi, Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Acting Nairobi Governor Anne Kananu, deputy governors and a host of MPs and MCAs.
