Wajackoyah attacks Ruto, showers Raila with praise
Roots party's presidential candidate George Wajackoyah has warmed up to his rival Raila Odinga as the clock ticks toward the August general elections.
Speaking at a rally in Kisumu on Monday, June 27, 2022, Wajackoyah heaped praises on the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition candidate while campaigning against Deputy President William Ruto.
He claimed the Kenya Kwanza presidential flag bearer has been disrespecting Raila in his visits to the former prime minister's backyard.
The presidential hopeful said Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino and Langata parliamentary candidate Felix Odiwour 'Jalango' had taught him (Wajackoyah) better — how to respect Raila on his home turf.
"Jokisumo hoyee. Jomodak Nairobi. Modak Embakasi. Umosna wuod Ongili (Babu Owino). Jalang'o nyaka umosi. (Kisumu people, especially those who live in Nairobi, Embakasi, please pass my regards to Babu Owino. Pass my regards to Jalang'o as well)," Wajackoyah said in Dholuo dialect.
"Abiro od baba. Tokidhi od baba nyaka idhi maber. Kuma awuokie awinjo ni baba nowuok kucha. Koro wan kod bedroom baba Mumias kucha. (I have come to Kisumu, Baba's hometurf, and I know that if you come to Baba's hometurf, you must not misbehave. I understand that Baba has roots from where I come from (Mumias) so Mumias is Baba's bedroom).
"Koro okona ni kidhi kisumu tidhi kiromo. Tokiyanyo baba, tirodhi. (He told me not to misbehave when in Kisumu. You can be in trouble if you insult Baba here).
"Nitie ng'ato mayanyo ga baba ung'ye? Kobiro ka to ugone nduru. (There's someone who always insults Baba; don't you know him? (referring to Ruto). Shout at him when he comes here (Kisumu))."
Raila and Ruto are touted as front runners in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Wajackoyah's increasing popularity
However, Wajackoyah's promise to legalise bhang if elected on August 9 has seen the candidate's popularity rise in recent months. Pundits now consider him a third horse in the State House contest.
The acclaimed advocate insists bhang is the solution to revamping Kenya's ailing economy and settling the country's ballooning public debt.
On June 22, 2022, Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe said the Azimio coalition had asked Raila to consider legalising bhang if elected in August.
The seasoned politician indicated that the national debate on marijuana is timely considering Kenya's neighbours have softened their stance on the growth of the plant.
He, however, said the substance should be used for medicinal purposes only.
"Most of the countries that are honest have allowed it. Uganda has allowed it, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe and even Zambia," Murathe said.
"We are even asking our candidate (Raila Odinga) to consider in the next dispensation for medicinal purposes because the numbers Wajackoyah is giving are making sense."
