I AM STILL STRONG

Raila hints at sixth stab at the Presidency

Raila, who celebrated his 79th birthday this month, will be 82 years in 2027.

In Summary
  • The ODM party leader said his loss in the 2022 general election was just a trip but he didn't fall.
  • The ODM chair said the cost of living is still high and will continue to fight for the sake of common citizens.
ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses locals at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
ACTIVATED: ODM leader Raila Odinga addresses locals at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Image: SHABAN OMAR

ODM Leader Raila Odinga has hinted at launching a sixth stab at the Presidency.

Raila, who celebrated his 79th birthday this month, will be 82 years in 2027.

The ODM party leader said his loss in the 2022 general election was just a trip but he didn't fall.

"Wanasema ati mti mkuu ukianguka wanandege huyumbayumba. Mimi sikuanaguka nilitingishwa tu kidogo na upepo lakini niko Imara," he said in Kiswahili.

The ODM leader said the cost of living is still high and will continue to fight for the sake of common citizens.

He said his mission is to defend democracy and ensure justice prevails for all Kenyans.

"These people are not following our fathers' foundation and dream of fighting, poverty, hunger, illiteracy and bringing freedom and fairness," he said.

Raila said since the Kenya Kwanza government took over life and living standards of Kenyans have continued to deteriorate.

He said that President William Ruto's administration is full of unfulfilled promises.

Raila made the remarks at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga in his coastal tour party's mass recruitment drive.

The ODM chief said he has a vision of ending food insufficiency and bringing affordable health and education.

He urged Kwale residents to go for mass ODM registration and support his course of saving the country from collapsing.

"Youth and women, appear in plenty for registration. The party needs you and your support," he said.

Raila said the ODM party has good plans for Kenyans and will only achieve that if more residents register themselves as members.

He said the party values the rights of every individual and welcomes everyone regardless of gender, religion or tribe.

Raila added that he has a long history with Kwale and the county shall remain to be his stronghold.

He urged Kwale party leaders to make major reforms to ensure that in the next general elections, the county is painted orange from MCA to the presidency seat.

Raila also advised the residents to punish any ODM member who will betray him come 2027.

ODM Deputy Party leader Wyclif Oparanya said Raila needs a lot of support in rescuing Kenyans from poverty and high cost of living.

He said in 2027 they will support Raila adding that Kwale residents should come on board.

"By the looks of things Kwale has more challenges than where I come from and that's why we say in 2027 we must stand with Baba," he said.

ODM minority leader Opiyo Wandayi told Kwale locals to remain loyal to Raila.

He said Raila loves Kwale and its people and has a lot of development plans for the region.

Wandayi said the country has lost direction and Raila is the right person who bring it back.

He said the Kenya Kwanza government lied to the Coastal people about ending land injustices.

Wandayi said since Ruto became president the cases have escalated, and locals continue to live like squatters.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung'aro called for the unity of the coastal people.

He said they must be united to support Raila so that they can have fair opportunities in the national government.

Mung'aro said coastal people must learn from their mistakes and be vigilant not to be cheated again.

Kwale Senator Issa Boi and Woman Rep Fatuma Masito vowed to support Raila.

The two leaders said Raila has played in key role in building their careers and they won't disappoint him.

ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kwale woman rep Fatuma Masito and Kwale Senaator Issa Boi dance at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
ENERGETIC: ODM leader Raila Odinga, Kwale woman rep Fatuma Masito and Kwale Senaator Issa Boi dance at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Kwale woman rep Fatuma Masito gives a dummy cheque to parents and students at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
BURSARY: ODM leader Raila Odinga and Kwale woman rep Fatuma Masito gives a dummy cheque to parents and students at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
ODM leader Raila Odinga sits on a sewing machine at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
ACTIVATED: ODM leader Raila Odinga sits on a sewing machine at Kwale Baraza Park in Matuga sub-county on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Image: SHABAN OMAR
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