Raila's roads, projects to open up sleepy Turkana

ODM leader Raila Odinga on Monday unveiled plans for opening up Turkana and Northern Kenya.

He said his administration would strive to end the region's years of marginalisation.

The former Prime Minister said he has big plans to redress problems of insecurity, water shortages, weak education, livestock off-take and trade hurdles.

Raila, who has had the region’s backing since the 2007 general election, said his plans for the region were cut short after his side failed to form the government in 2013 and 2017.

“When I was here last time, I made promises but we were unable to fulfil them after what happened in the elections. We are, however, focused on meeting all of them,” he told residents.

Raila revealed plans for a railway line running from Lamu port to Juba through the border at Nakodok, some distance after Nadapal.

“The Lapsset project is taking shape. We have built a port at Lamu and are now working on plans for a railway from Lamu to Juba. The line will go to Central Africa then proceed to Cameroon.”

The ODM leader was campaigning for president when some of his key point men in the North have shifted to DP William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza camp.

Governor Josphat Nanok, who was the ODM leader’s point man in the region, has shifted to Kenya Kwanza with several leaders.

Raila has gained support of the region’s big names, including former Petroleum and Mining CS John Munyes and Woman Representative Joyce Emanikor.

Raila urged residents to reject Kenya Kwanza, saying the DP cannot be trusted to fulfil promises he is making on the campaign trail.

“We urge our friends here to be ready for the change we are bringing. Our competitors are making promises they cannot keep," he said.

"They promised laptops, stadiums and jobs but we saw none of that. Their promises are like a donkey’s fart. As Azimio, we are focused on implementing our promises,” he said.

He was accompanied by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth, Murang'a Woman MP Sabina Chege and her Homa Bay counterpart Gladys Wanga.

Also present were Pokot South MP David Pkosing, Irene Kasalu (Kitui Woman MP), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), Ben Momanyi (Borabu), Narok Senator Ledama OleKina and Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi.

Most of the leaders who spoke expressed confidence Raila would win the presidency on August 9.

They asked DP Ruto to allow Kenyans to campaign in peace.

"We are asking everyone to ask for votes with respect and not insults. If one is defeated,  let them go home and leave Kenyans in peace," Karua said.

Kalonzo said, "Raila will win with a big margin. We don't expect anyone will reject such a win."

The ODM leader pledged to restore Lokichogio town to its heyday when it was bustling with activities to support peace efforts in South Sudan.

“Lokichogio should be busier now. We will open up our border with South Sudan to boost business in the region. We will also build the road connecting this place and Juba,” Raila said.

The ODM leader further promised to restore security in troubled parts of the country, restating his plan to engage neighbouring presidents to find enduring solutions.

He said the government would escalate talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and South Sudan leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar for a durable solution to border conflicts.

“We will ensure peace at the border with our neighbours. We will discuss this matter with President Museveni. I have been talking with South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to restore peace.”

Raila also promised to roll out a livestock insurance programme to cushion the residents from the losses stemming from drought and to expand water sources.

“We will provide water for livestock, which is a mainstay for many people. We are going to roll out livestock insurance this year to cater for deaths of livestock.”

The former Prime Minister also assured residents his administration will exploit water resources to meet perennial shortages.

“We will dig boreholes, draw water from rivers and build dams. Turkana has underground water reservoirs [some fresh, some salty] that can feed Kenya for 70 years. We will bring machines to extract the water,” the ODM leader said.

He also promised to tackle famine, set up a special economic zone, provide education for everyone for meaningful jobs, and interest-free loans for youths repayable after seven years.

Raila further promised to construct a Level 5 Hospital in Lokichogio. He had promised to build a Level 6 facility in Lodwar during stops on Sunday.

He spoke after local leaders urged him to deal with rampant insecurity, drought, water shortages and famine.

(Edited by V. Graham)