Raila calls for unity and reconciliation in Nyanza delegates meeting

ODM leader Raila Odinga has intensified calls for unity and reconciliation ahead of the 2022 general elections.

Speaking in Oyugis on Thursday, Raila insisted that it’s time for Kenyans to cleanse from the spirit of anger, bitterness, revenge and entitlement.

"We come here today with a message of unity, reconciliation, tolerance and hope."

"Our desire to unite our people and the country, the Azimio la Muungano is a noble and worthy cause. It deserves our support," he said.

The former Prime Minister called on politicians in the region to pull a united front ahead of 2022 and use their unity to create opportunities for the region and the nation.

"If we are able to pull together as a region, identify our priorities together, back it up with political goodwill and unity, nothing will stop us from addressing the development needs of our people," Raila said.

In his address, Raila said by having a united front, they will be able to come up with innovative ways to tackle the challenges that face the region.

He went on to say investment in ICT and digital infrastructure to support communications and youth owned businesses, supporting talent, and exploring innovative ways to create and grow SMEs, will help boost the region economically.

"Sugar cane farming, which has long been the lifeline of this region has to be addressed comprehensively and changed radically...Our capacity for Blue Economy remains grossly underutilized. Lake Victoria has much more to offer than just fish. We have not fully explored the lake’s capacity for tourism and maritime transport and aquaculture, among others," Raila said.

The former PM noted that there is much needed partnership between the counties and the national governments, to address the issue of infrastructure in schools.

He called on the leaders to pool resources to ensure the region has a robust primary public healthcare system, starting from the family level to the entire public healthcare delivery system.

Edited by CM