- The leaders target at least 40 percent of the votes for Raila.
- They met Raila on Wednesday in Nairobi
Image: RAILA ODINGA/TWITTER
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has set his eyes on Deputy President William Ruto’s Rift Valley political turf with a number of senior politicians vowing to back his candidature.
Raila’s foray in the region - regarded as Ruto’s stronghold - is spearheaded by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos.
On Wednesday, the county chief led a powerful delegation from the counties of Narok, Bomet and Kericho for a meeting at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Upperhill, Nairobi.
Also in Raila’s South Rift team were former head of Public Service Sally Kosgey, one time Health Minister Paul Sang, Kipkorir arap Menjo and Nandi politician Stephen Tarus.
Once regarded as the most powerful woman in Kenyan politics, Kosgey who also served as Secretary to the Cabinet, is a career civil servant credited for overseeing smooth transition between Kanu and Narc government.
Sang on the other hand represented Bureti constituency for two terms but failed to become Kericho senator following elevation of Charles Keter to the Cabinet.
Tarus, who is a Nandi politician, is a former Kenyan envoy to Australia and former Emgwen MP.
On Wednesday, the leaders met Raila and declared to rally the region to Azimio.
Kosgey described Raila a consistent leader who can be trusted with the leadership of the country.
"I can vouch for someone who is as good as his word. I have known Raila since 1980s and he is one man who means his word," Kosgey said.
Kosgey, a powerful figure in the late Daniel Moi's government, also defended Raila's push for constitutional amendment saying the 2010 constitution had some pending issues that needed to be addressed.
She termed BBI as a missed opportunity where the country could have addressed a number of pressing issues that were left out by the drafters of the 2010 constitution.
“We have many reasons why we want you (Raila) to take over the country’s leadership so that you can implement that which was left hanging by the current constitution,” she said.
Tolgos said his team targets to deliver at least 40 per cent of the South Rift vote to the Azimio basket dismissing claims that the region is under lock and key of the Deputy President William Ruto.
"My job is to coordinate the leaders from the region and I am so certain we will push Raila's vote to at least 40 percent," Tolgos said.
In a memorandum to the former prime minister, the leaders called for permanent resettlement of the squatters who were evicted from Mau and Embabut forests.
They also urged Raila to prioritise establishment of regional referral hospital at Londiani in Kericho county if he wins the August contest.
In his speech, Raila promised that his administration will ensure a level five hospitals in all the 47 counties and at least one level six hospital in each region.
The August election, Raila stated, will be an economic liberation of the country and that which will herald free education to all children born in the country.
The fourth time presidential candidate also blamed the stalled resettlement of Mau evictees to incitement by area leaders.
He disclosed that the grand coalition government had secured donors who were willing to have the evictees permanently settled, a move that was scuttled by local politics.
“We said people should come out of Mau and they were to be given an alternative land for resettlement. We had donors willing to facilitate the resettlement but the incitement by area leaders stalled everything,” Raila said.