ODM boss Raila Odinga yesterday returned to the Coast region for a series of rallies aimed consolidating his support base and parrying away forays by Deputy President William Ruto.
Raila arrived in Lamu on Saturday evening and on Sunday held a series of public rallies in Lamu, traversing Mpeketoni and Witu.
The ODM leader received a major boost in his 2022 presidential bid after a number of political leaders from the region publicly backed him to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta next year.
Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha who is serving his first term on a Jubilee ticket, vowed to support Raila’s 2022 Presidential bid, giving the ODM boss a major boost.
“The man who is with us here (Raila) is next president of Kenya,” declared Twaha, adding that the former prime minister is the best suited to succeed Uhuru.
The governor said the ODM boss’ history, which he argued is decorated with massive pro-democracy and anti-graft credentials, deserves to be appreciated.
“The only way we can ensure the country remains on the trajectory of development initiated by the President is by having Raila at State House,” he said.
During the tour of Lamu, Raila was accompanied by some Mt Kenya MPs backing his 2022 ambitions in efforts to woo the crucial Kikuyu community living in the archipelago.
The MPs included Maina Kamanda (Nominated), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa), Joseph Manje (Kajiado North) as well Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui was also present.
“I want to ask my people who are here to let us all unite and support Raila because he is going to be the next President,” Kamanda said.
He insisted that the ODM boss is the country’s safe pair of hands because of his ‘political maturity’ and past sacrifices that he has made.
Kinyanjui said the people of Lamu should unite with other Kenyans to give Raila an opportunity to continue with the good work Uhuru has done.
“We are here to confirm to you that other regions have agreed to support Raila for president, our people here should not be left behind, let us be part of Raila’s journey,” the governor said.
MP Ndegwa asked the voters in the region not to be misled by selfish politicians but instead unite in support Raila’s presidential bid.
“Raila is the only politician in this country who will assure us of peace and stability after the next elections and Lamu should not be left behind when he forms the next government,” the MP said.
The former prime minister promised to construct resort cities in Mombasa, Lamu, Turkana and Isiolo as well as a special economic zone in the Archipelago to enhance business.
“People will not be going to Dubai, they will just be doing it here in Lamu,” he said, adding that his government will improve the fishing capacity of the residents as part of his economic plans.
Raila dismissed his critics pouring cold water on his enhanced social protection promise to Kenyans, saying he will successfully roll out the programme if elected next year.
“There are those who have been saying that it is not practical, but I want to tell them that having served as prime minister, I know how I will fund the programme. I will seal all the graft loopholes to get money to finance the programme,” he said at Mpeketoni market.
The ODM boss has promised that his government will give every poor household in the country Sh6,000 stipend monthly as part of his elaborate plan to counter poverty.
"I have said that no Kenyan should sleep hungry in this country and that is why we shall roll out the biggest social protection in Africa," he said.
Raila earlier attended a church service at the Full gospel church Mpeketoni before holding a series of rallies in Witu, Hindi and Mkungumi.
The ODM boss who is on a three-day tour of Lamu county will on Monday tour Kilifi and Kwale counties.
-Edited by SKanyara
