- Raila addressed huge rallies in Njiru, Mwiki, Kasarani.
- The former Prime Minister rallied his supporters to turn up in large numbers for the Friday declaration.
ODM leader Raila Odinga on Sunday fired up Nairobi ahead of his grand declaration on Friday this week.
The Opposition Chief started by attending a Church service at African Independent Pentecostal Churches of Kenya (AIPCA), Njiru, a church whose history is intertwined with Kenya’s liberation struggle.
The fourth time presidential candidate then mounted a series of road shows across the capital city.
He was accompanied by Nairobi governor Ann Kananu and host of city MPs led by Maina Kamanda (nominated), George Aladwa (Makadara), Yusuf Hassan (Kamkunji), Esther Passaris (Nairobi MP), Timothy Wanyonyi (Westlands) and former Westlands MP Fred Gumo.
Also in Raila’s entourage included Kanini Kega (Kieni, EALA MP Mpuru Aburi, former lawmaker Reuben Ndolo and former MP Elizabeth Ongoro.
Raila addressed huge rallies in Njiru, Mwiki, Kasarani where he drummed up support for his unity drive dubbed Azimio La Umoja.
The former Prime Minister rallied his supporters to turn up in large numbers for the Friday declaration at Kasarani gymnasium.
The ODM boss said he has traversed the country and listened to the voice of Kenyans and will give his verdict during the last Azimio La Umoja meeting where over 60,000 attendees are expected.
“Next week on Friday, here in Kasarani, I invite you to come witness my declaration. At 6 am, you should all be seated ready for my verdict," Raila said.
"I am not looking for followers, I am looking for partners."
The ODM leader is expected to formally join in the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday.
Raila has not declared whether he will be in the race to succeed Kenyatta. He has however been traversing the country popularizing his unity initiative.
This will be Raila’s fifth bid after making four unsuccessful runs in 1997, 2007, 2013 and 2017.
Unlike previous elections, this is the first time the ODM boss is getting backing of government of the day.
Speaking during the church service, Raila said he will not relent in his quest to bring Kenyans together as the country moves towards the high stakes 2022 elections.
He said it is only through unity that Kenyans will realise the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers.
The ODM boss maintained that no economic model can be realized in a country that is divided and at war with self.
“These days am preaching peace. We must be united as Kenyans for us to realise the dreams of our forefathers as captured in our national anthem,” he said.
Kega said Mt. Kenya region has drastically shifted since Raila’s forays into the vote-rich region giving Raila up to three-quarters of the region's support.
“Baba’ ameshafika 3 /4 ya mlima, na by next week atakua ameshafika tip. (Raila has managed to win three-quarters of the mountain and by next week he will have the whole mountain behind him),” he said.
Raila also defended his Sh6000 welfare program saying it will go along way in ensuring no Kenyan dies from hunger.
He termed it shameful that some Kenyans are still dying of hunger almost seven decades of self rule.
He said his social welfare protection plan to cushion poor families from economic hardship has been successful in many jurisdictions including Namibia.
Edited by S. Maombo