Raila promises to elevate Taveta into economic hub
Orange party leader Raila Odinga yesterday ended his four-day Azimio La Umoja whirlwind tour in Coast with rallies in Taveta and Voi towns, promising an economic liberation.
Raila said Taveta, being a border post county, has the potential to change the region’s economy if well utilised.
He pledged to convert Taveta into a vibrant economic hub by introducing a free market and revive the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta railway line for easy transportation of goods and farm produce to the Port of Mombasa and the rest of the world.
ODM leader further promised to remove the country from the super league of corruption it currently plays alongside Bangladesh and promised to propel it to economic development super league.
Reject wheelbarrow
“In corruption, Kenya now plays in the super league alongside Bangladesh. In development, it is in the third division league. We want to promote Kenya to a super league economy. But we cannot play in that league with Tanga Tanga group,” he said.
Governor Granton Samboja, who had accompanied Raila accused Deputy President William Ruto of spearheading wanton grabbing of land in Taveta.
He reminded residents of the recent case in Mata Ward in Taveta where he said Ruto’s farm manager allegedly blocked a canal supplying water for irrigation into local farms and diverted the water into his own, leaving residents in crisis.
“He diverted water to his own farm and now he is planning to grab this bus terminus to put up a hotel. This is a public facility and we are telling Ruto hands off,” Samboja said.
His Mombasa counterpart Hassan Joho said Raila will run an all-inclusive government if he wins the August General Election.
Describing Ruto as “Mr Promise” Joho said the DP and Raila are like water and oil, noting that Ruto hardly keeps his promise.
Taveta MP Naomi Shaban said it is without doubt that Raila will be the next President. “We were the people who campaigned against Raila but I can say without fear of contradiction that the ODM boss will be the fifth president,” she said.
Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma urged residents to reject the Wheelbarrow narrative to keep the risk of land grabbing at bay.
While referring to Ruto’s early campaigns, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko said the current situation demonstrates that starting the race ahead of others is not an assurance of winning the race.
Other leaders who attended the rally include former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga and MPs Mishi Mboko (Likoni), Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Teddy Mwambire (Ganze), Kanini Kega (Kieni) and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South).
