Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga gave a wide berth to the controversial issue of the Naivasha Dry Port, which has dominated the country’s politics in the last couple of months.
He focused on the economy, graft and health despite attempts by various leaders to have him address the matter.
In recent months, the location of the port had raised queries with Deputy President William Ruto saying his government if elected, will relocate the services to Mombasa.
While on a tour of Mombasa two months ago, Raila said he would bring the services back to the coastal town.
Addressing rallies in Gilgil, Naivasha and Mai Mahiu, Raila termed the coming elections as critical to the country.
He said the elections would be about economic liberation of the country because Kenyans had suffered due to the harsh economy.
“We have passed through the political and democratic liberation and the next stage is to liberate Kenyans economically,” he said.
Flanked by the coalition's top leaders, Raila identified graft, poverty, and illiteracy as the major challenges that were affecting the country.
He said if elected, his government would make sure that learning was free and health matters were addressed through Baba Care.
“We have plans to support small enterprises through a fund where they will access cheap loans that will be paid from the seventh year,” he said.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui lashed out at those who were planning to relocate the port services terming them as residents enemies.
“Some leaders have said they will close down the port but we are sure that with Raila gets into office this facility will be safe,” he said.
Kinyanjui revisited the issue of downgrading hotels in Naivasha saying this had affected the hoteliers and tourists.
“We hope the issue of the lake and the hospitality industry will be addressed by Raila once in office,” he said.
Peter Kenneth lashed out at Ruto's double-speak over the issue of dry port and maize flour prices.
Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli said Ruto would never rule the country because Kenya Kwanza Alliance was riddled with graft.
Others present were Junet Mohamed who said Raila had defended the oppressed for long and deserved to be given a chance to rule the country.
“Through the effort of Raila, the price of unga will come down to Sh100 despite some complaints from some leaders who wanted the prices to remain high,” he said
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
