Kenyans want me to run for presidency next year, says Raila
ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday said he was under pressure from Kenyans to run for presidency in next year’s General Election.
Addressing rallies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, Raila said he had held meetings in various parts of the country and the consensus was that he goes for the top seat.
“I have been around the country for the last few months. I have been to the farthest parts of this country. I have toured the Western region and
recently I was climbing the mountain. The constant message that I have been receiving from Kenyans is that Baba should continue,” Raila told a crowd in Donholm, Embakasi East constituency.
He added that the calls for him to give the presidency another shot were coming from all quarters and from people of all ages.
“I know what Kenyans want, it is good leadership. They want to have a running economy and good infrastructure. I have been in the government and I know what a good government looks like,” he said.
The former Prime Minister said he will declare his intentions during an event to be held in Nairobi on December 9.
Raila was accompanied by Gen- der CAS Beatrice Elachi, MPs Babu Owino (Embakasi East), George Aladwa (Makadara), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Maina Kamanda (Nominated), Geoffrey Osotsi (Nominated), Esther Passaris (Nairobi Woman Rep) and Sabina Chege (Murang’a Woman Rep).
Also present was veteran politi- cian and one time Cabinet minister Fred Gumo.
Early this month, while on a tour of Nairobi, Raila said that he was still “gathering views” from Kenyans on whether to vie again.“I have been moving around the country rallying our people to unite. I am remaining with Ukambani region, South Rift and Nairobi.
I will announce whether I will be on the ballot on December 9 in
Nairobi,” Raila said then.
Raila said the declaration will be the culmination of his Azimio La Umoja campaign, for which he has been rallying support across the country since August 16.
