Inside Politics

Governor’s wish list as he welcomes ODM leader to vote-rich Nakuru

Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 00:00 | By
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui. PHOTO/Raphael Munge
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui. PHOTO/Raphael Munge

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga yesterday returned to vote-rich Nakuru county where he pledged to foster national unity and spur development as campaigns for the August presidential election intensified.

Accompanied by local Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and a host of local leaders and aspirants, Raila said he was the best suited candidate to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

He said he would ensure that more resources are devolved to the counties to hasten development, adding that he would address the challenges that farmers are facing such as soaring costs of farm inputs.

Kinyanjui said he opted to support the opposition chief because he had shown willingness to address the interests of Nakuru people. “We have spoken with him and I am confident our issues will be catered for in his government,” he said. “We have only had one cabinet minister since independence but we will have a second one in Raila’s government,” the Governor said.

Raila and his entourage addressed a series of stopovers from Keep Left, Njoro to Elburgon before converging at Kisulisuli grounds in Kivumbini, Nakuru East, where he addressed a rally.

“My administration will address post-harvest challenges facing farmers, introduce value addition through establishment of a potatoes processing factory, among other interventions,” said Raila.

With close to one million registered voters, Nakuru is an important hunting ground for the presidential candidates. This is the second time Raila, who has won the backing of Kinyanjui, is touring the Rift Valley county, an area considered as the bedrock of Deputy President William Ruto’s politics.

The former Prime Minister was given a warm reception by locals at Baraka Agricultural College, where he held a consultative forum with local leaders and a section of residents. Raila said he was best placed to deal with the plight of Kenyans, citing his drive for more devolved resources as earlier contained in the Building Bridges Institute.

Also accompanying him were Governors Charity Ngilu (Kitui), Alex Tolgos(Elgeyo Marakwet), Ledama ole Kina(Narok Senator), Caroline Karugu (Nyeri DG), MPs Kanini Kega, Lilian Gogo, Babu Owino, former MPs Peter Kenneth, Fred Gumo, Njenga Mungai and Joseph Kiuna, among others.

The ODM leader has pledged to revitalize the dying pyrethrum sector, and allocate more money to agriculture if he wins. He further promised to revive the collapsed timber industry in the area.

Earlier, farmer’s representatives poured their heart out to the former PM, asking him to help revitalize the sector which is the region’s mainstay.

Raila also hinted that he would revive the stalled multi-billion Itare dam in Kuresoi, which was marred with corruption.

He also promised better healthcare for all and education for all children on top of the Sh6, 000 monthly stipends for vulnerable households.

While addressing a crowd at the Baraka Agricultural College in Kuresoi North in Nakuru County, beseeched locals to embrace peace and tranquility as the nation heads to a season of high octane politics.

“We want a peaceful environment and a united country in this year of elections. Molo is a cosmopolitan county and we want our people to live in peace. That is the spirit of the handshake that will enable us to embark on the journey we envisaged as a united nation, “said Raila.

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