Raila in CBD: How my meet and greet in CBD went down

Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Monday took many by surprise after he opted to take a matatu from Karen to Nairobi Central Business District.

In a viral video seen by The Star, the former Prime Minister was seen walking from his home to a bus stop, where he engaged Kenyans, bought a newspaper and then boarded a matatu.

On arrival at the CBD, Raila said he interacted with city residents who issued their grievances about how the high cost of living has affected them.

“They told me that flour is Sh250, and sugar is almost Sh500. They also complained about fuel, rent, and school fees and said they are tired,” Raila said.

"It was painful to hear in detail about the hardship our people face daily due to the inept and illegitimate regime's actions."

Raila added that afterward, he went to a shoe shiner who polished his shoes and he paid his respects by saluting the statues of  Tom Mboya and Dedan Kimathi.

The ODM leader added that some generous people at Pronto Restaurant in Nairobi decided to cater for his breakfast.

“There were mothers who had welcomed me for breakfast. They gave me the meal so that I can be more strong,” Raila said.

He also thanked his supporters for how they conducted themselves during the Saba Saba rally on Friday last week.

He reiterated that the protests were not to cause violence but to outline their grievances to President William Ruto over the high cost of living.

“I want to thank you all for what you did last Friday. You came out and showed courage,” Raila said.

“We don’t want violence and don’t advocate for violence. Everything we do there is a reason. Cost of living has gone up. We have told Ruto not to increase more taxes because people are tired.”

He reiterated that the protests were not to cause violence but to outline their griv ancs to President William Ruto over the high cost of living.

“I want to thank you all for what you did last Friday. You came out and showed courage,” Raila said.

“We don’t want violence and don’t advocate for violence. Everything we do there is a reason. Cost of living has gone up. We have told Ruto not to increase more taxes because people are tired.”